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Updated: Jun 2, 2026

An Immature Murine Model of Reversible Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction
Published on: April 4, 2025
Interactive magnetic resonance voiding cystourethrography (iMRVC) for vesicoureteric reflux (VUR) in unsedated
Owen J Arthurs1, Andrea D Edwards, Ilse Joubert
1Department of Radiology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Box 219, Addenbrookes Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK.
Objectives:
The current reference standard for diagnosing vesicoureteric reflux is the X-ray-based Micturating CystoUrethroGram (MCUG). The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of performing interactive Magnetic Resonance voiding cysto-urethrography (iMRVC) in un-sedated infants.
Methods:
Twelve infants underwent conventional single-cycle MCUG followed by iMRVC. In iMRVC, patients were examined using an in-house developed fluoroscopic pulse sequence, which allows on-the-fly control of image contrast and geometry. A single acquisition was performed during bladder filling, during and after micturition, with interactive control over imaging parameters. Images were assessed for diagnostic quality and presence of VUR.
Results:
Every case of reflux identified with MCUG was identified on iMRVC (100% sensitivity). Over 24 renal units, there was 88% concordance (21/24) according to the presence of reflux between the two methods. There were three "false positives" detected by MRI, giving a specificity of 83.3%, PPV of 66.7% and NPV of 100%.
Conclusion:
iMRVC is a feasible method for evaluating the renal tract in infants without the need for radiation or sedation. A formal evaluation is required to establish its diagnostic potential.
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Imaging Studies I: Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder Studies
Imaging Studies II: Ultrasonography
Urodynamic Studies: Uroflowmetry

