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MR virtual endoscopy of the upper urinary tract
E Neri1, P Boraschi, D Caramella
1Department of Oncology, Transplants and Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Division of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56100, Pisa, Italy.
AJR. American Journal of Roentgenology
|November 25, 2000
Summary
Surface-rendered virtual endoscopy of unenhanced MR urography data is feasible for visualizing the upper urinary tract, especially in cases of urinary tract dilatation. This technique effectively displays the renal pelvis, calices, and ureter, aiding in the detection of endoluminal abnormalities.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Urology
- Radiology
Background:
- Virtual endoscopy (VE) offers a non-invasive method for visualizing internal structures.
- Unenhanced MR urography (MRU) provides detailed anatomical information of the urinary tract without ionizing radiation.
- Surface-rendering techniques can create 3D visualizations from medical imaging data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of applying surface-rendered VE to visualize the upper urinary tract using unenhanced MRU datasets.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of VE in detecting endoluminal abnormalities within the visualized urinary tract.
Main Methods:
- Unenhanced MR urography was performed on 26 patients with various urinary tract conditions.
- Surface-rendered VE was generated from MRU data using a thresholding technique.
- VE was applied to visualize the renal pelvis, calices, and ureter.
Main Results:
- VE of the upper urinary tract was feasible in all cases with urinary obstruction.
- VE successfully visualized the ureter when its diameter was greater than 5 mm.
- Endoluminal masses and occlusions were identified, correlating with neoplastic lesions and other abnormalities.
Conclusions:
- Surface-rendered VE of unenhanced MRU datasets is a feasible technique for upper urinary tract visualization.
- VE is particularly effective in cases of urinary tract dilatation.
- The method can successfully display the renal pelvis, calices, and ureter, revealing endoluminal changes caused by abnormalities.