MR urography: Anatomical and quantitative information on congenital malformations in children

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Magnetic resonance urography (MRU) is considered to be the next step in uroradiology. This technique combines superb anatomical images and functional information in a single test. In this article, we aim to present the topic of MRU in children and how it has been implemented in Northern Greece so far. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the potential of MRU in clinical practice. We focus both on the anatomical and the quantitative information this technique can offer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MRU was applied in 25 children (ages from 3 to 11 years) diagnosed with different types of congenital malformations. T1 and T2 images were obtained for all patients. Dynamic, contrast-enhanced data were processed and signal intensity versus time curves were created for all patients from regions of interest (ROIs) selected around the kidneys in order to yield quantitative information regarding the kidneys function. RESULTS: From the slopes of these curves we were able to evaluate which kidneys were functional and from the corticomedullary cross-over point to determine whether the renal system was obstructed or not. CONCLUSION: In all 25 cases MRU was sufficient, if not superior to other imaging modalities, to establish a complete diagnosis.