Magnetic resonance imaging in the detection and characterization of renal diseases

Over the last decade, state-of-the-art magnetic resonance MRI has become a valuable partner in the clinical imaging arena to tackle a wide variety of kidney diseases in a non-invasive manner, mainly due to its high tissue contrast and multiplanar imaging capabilities. Paramagnetic contrast agents have further improved the performance of MRI of the kidney since their administration seems to be applicable in virtually all patients, irrespective of their age, renal function and their ability to cooperate. Moreover, MRI is particularly helpful for further differentiation of lesions that are equivocal on CT and/or ultrasound. Further technical developments of applied MR-techniques and further improvements in spatial resolution will expand the imaging possibilities and create new tracts and challenges in the MRI evaluation of kidney disease. An overview of the current status of MRI in the diagnosis of renal abnormalities, which includes description of technique and normal anatomy and congenital variants, is given. The benefits of MRI in diagnosing diseases of renal parenchyma mass lesions such as cysts, renal cystic diseases, and benign and malignant tumors is reviewed. Furthermore, the MRI diagnosis of vascular diseases, diffuse renal parenchymal diseases, renal infectious diseases and the pathology of the renal collecting system will be discussed.