Magnetic resonance voiding cystourethrography for vesicoureteral reflux

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Pediatric Imaging
• Urology

Background:

• Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is a common condition in children.
• Standard voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) uses ionizing radiation and catheterization.
• Noninvasive imaging alternatives for VUR evaluation are needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of magnetic resonance voiding cystourethrography (MRVCUG).
• To evaluate MRVCUG for diagnosing VUR.
• To determine if MRVCUG is a noninvasive alternative to standard VCUG.

Main Methods:

• 22 MR studies of 16 patients with primary VUR were evaluated.
• MR fluoroscopy used a non-enhanced T2-weighted FSE sequence.
• MR findings were correlated with standard VCUG (gold standard).

Main Results:

• MRVCUG demonstrated 90% sensitivity and 96% specificity for VUR detection.
• MRVCUG accurately identified high-grade reflux (grades III-V).
• Two false-negative results occurred in mild VUR cases (grades I-II).

Conclusions:

• MRVCUG is a feasible and accurate imaging technique for VUR.
• High-grade VUR can be detected by MRVCUG without ionizing radiation.
• MRVCUG offers a noninvasive alternative to standard VCUG for VUR evaluation.