[Tumours of the Kidney: CT vs. MRI. Nearly equal alternatives with minor differences]

Because of progress in imaging, the incidence of renal tumours, especially small lesions, has been rising over the last years. Therefore, imaging must be done to decide how to proceed further. But which is the most effective modality: computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)? From the technical point of view, the two alternatives appear to be nearly equal. Multidetector CT remains the reference standard for staging and lesion characterisation, whereas MRI is the method of choice for determining caval extension of a tumour thrombus and infiltration of the renal vein. If an accurate diagnosis cannot be specified, the remaining modality should be used complementarily.