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Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Using 2-Photon Microscopy to Quantify the Effects of Chronic Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction on Glomerular Processes
Published on: March 4, 2022
Lithiasic obstructive uropathy. Hydronephrosis characterization by magnetic resonance pyelography
C Magno1, A Blandino, G Anastasi
1Department of Urology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy. carlo.magno@tin.it
Objectives:
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of magnetic resonance (MR) pyelography in patients affected by hydronephrosis due to ureteric stones, in order to identify a pyonephrotic condition.
Materials And Methods:
In the last 3 years, 315 patients, who had originally been investigated by ultrasonography, were evaluated with MR pyelography in order to define the etiology of obstruction. In 67 patients hydronephrosis was referred as caused by lithiasis.
Results:
MR pyelography not only confirmed urinary tract dilatation in all patients, but also identified grade and site of obstruction, both in acute dilatation (25 patients) and in chronic obstructions (42 patients). In 7 patients, MR pyelography documented pyonephrosis that was obviously confirmed by nephrostomic drainage.
Conclusion:
MR pyelography, made with ultrafast breath-hold sequences, has a great value in identifying hydronephrosis in patients with ureteric stones. Furthermore, it provides the chance to identify pyonephrosis requiring an immediate drainage of the kidney before major complications develop.
Related Concept Videos
Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
Urinary Tract Calculi II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations
Urinary Tract Calculi III: Medical Management
Imaging Studies II: Ultrasonography
Imaging Studies IV: Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Imaging Studies V: Intravenous Urography and Retrograde Pyelography

