ROLE OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING IN EVALUATION OF RENAL NEOPLASMS

Abstract

Although sonography and contrast en!"v3.nced CT scan are the primary imaging modality for detection and characteerization of renal tumours, MR has become an alternative imaging technique owing to its multiplaner capability and complenetary diagnostic role in assessement of venous extension.

MR imaging has many advantages including absence of ionizing radiation, multiplanar imaging capabilities, very good spatial (resolution, and the ability to demonstrate vascular patency without the use of contrast material.

Various pulse sequences can be used for examination, including T1 and T2 weighted SE sequences, fat, suppression, and GRE sequences, without and with gadolinium. These sequences can be used to maximized contrast difference between normal and pathological tissue which may result in detection of smaller lesions and better characterization of cystic versus solid lesions.