title: Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance urography at 3T: clinical feasibility.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of performing diagnostic-quality contrast-enhanced excretory magnetic resonance urography (eMRU) at 3T, examining both image quality and diagnostic accuracy for a range of urinary tract abnormalities.
  
  
  METHODS
  The diuretic-enhanced 3T eMRUs of 37 patients were reviewed to assess for the diagnostic conspicuity of urinary tract abnormalities, extent of urinary tract visualization on excretory images, and presence and severity of image artifacts.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Excretory images allowed greater than 75% visualization in 90.8% of renal collecting systems, 90.8% of ureters, and 82.3% of bladders. Common artifacts included susceptibility (21.3%), contrast mixing (21.3%), patient motion (20.4%), signal inhomogeneity (19.4%), and peristaltic motion (17.6%). Severe artifacts occurred in 21.6% of studies. Five of 8 urothelial neoplasms were detected, with 1 false-positive lesion in the bladder. Urolithiasis was correctly diagnosed in 7 of 9 patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although image artifacts can hamper eMRU at 3T, initial results are promising for evaluation of the urothelium.
authors: Department of Radiology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA. dchilds@wakehealth.edu
authors: David D
authors: DD
authors: Childs
authors: John R
authors: JR
authors: Leyendecker
authors: John
authors: J
authors: Gianini
authors: Craig
authors: C
authors: Hall
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016477:Artifacts; D003287:Contrast Media; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D058185:Magnetite Nanoparticles; D008297:Male; D008536:Meglumine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012833:Siloxanes; D014570:Urologic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D058185:Magnetite Nanoparticles; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D012833:Siloxanes; C064572:gadobenic acid; D008536:Meglumine; C088769:ferumoxsil