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Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Point-of-Care Kidney and Genitourinary Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition
Published on: June 21, 2024
Non-contrast MRI for the evaluation of hydronephrotic and dysfunctioning kidney secondary to testicular cancer
Satoshi Okayama1, Masaru Matsui, Satoshi Somekawa
1First Department of Internal Medicine, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, Japan.
Abstract:
Gadolinium-containing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents have been reported to induce nephrogenic systemic fibrosis in patients with renal dysfunction, and therefore their use has been restricted. However, even without contrast agents, MRI can provide much valuable information on the pathophysiology of renal diseases. This report describes the case of a 90-year-old man with a hydronephrotic and dysfunctioning right kidney induced by testicular cancer evaluated by non-contrast MRI. He was referred to our hospital complaining of lower abdominal distention and appetite loss. Physical examination revealed a painless enlargement of the right scrotum and inguinal lymph node. Laboratory analysis revealed renal dysfunction, after which a non-contrast MRI was performed. T1-, T2-, and diffusion-weighted images (T1WI, T2WI, and DWI, respectively) revealed carcinoma of the right testicle with extensive multiple lymphadenopathy. Moreover, a retroperitoneal metastatic tumor was detected adjacent to the right kidney, which appeared to constrict the right urinary duct. An enlarged right kidney with loss of corticomedullary differentiation was observed on T1WI. The right kidney and enlarged renal pelvis were observed as large signal intensity areas on T2WI. DWI showed an increased signal intensity of the right kidney and a decreased apparent diffusion coefficient. These findings clarified that the retroperitoneal metastasis from the right testicular cancer led to hydronephrosis and dysfunctioning of the right kidney. The present case indicates that non-contrast MRI is useful for the evaluation of renal diseases even in elderly patients with renal dysfunction.
Insights
Non-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) effectively evaluated a 90-year-old man's hydronephrotic kidney. This advanced imaging technique identified testicular cancer metastasis causing renal dysfunction without contrast agents.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Nephrology
- Oncology
Background:
- Gadolinium-based contrast agents in MRI are restricted for patients with renal dysfunction due to nephrogenic systemic fibrosis risk.
- Non-contrast MRI offers valuable insights into renal disease pathophysiology.
Observation:
- A 90-year-old male presented with abdominal distention and appetite loss, exhibiting right testicular enlargement and inguinal lymphadenopathy.
- Laboratory tests indicated renal dysfunction.
Findings:
- Non-contrast MRI revealed right testicular carcinoma with extensive lymphadenopathy and a retroperitoneal metastatic tumor compressing the right ureter.
- Imaging demonstrated hydronephrosis, an enlarged right kidney with altered corticomedullary differentiation, and abnormal signal intensities on T1-, T2-, and diffusion-weighted images (DWI).
Implications:
- The findings confirmed retroperitoneal metastasis from testicular cancer as the cause of hydronephrosis and renal dysfunction.
- Non-contrast MRI is a valuable tool for assessing renal diseases, particularly in elderly patients with impaired kidney function.
Related Concept Videos
Imaging Studies IV: Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Imaging Studies III: Computed Tomography
Imaging Studies I: Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder Studies
Imaging Studies II: Ultrasonography
Imaging Studies V: Intravenous Urography and Retrograde Pyelography
Imaging Studies VII: Vascular Imaging

