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MR in renal disease: importance of cortical-medullary distinction
M Marotti1, H Hricak, F Terrier
1Department of Radiology, University of California School of Medicine, San Francisco 94143-0628.
Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
|August 1, 1987
Summary
Contrast between renal cortex and medulla (CMC) on MRI is a sensitive indicator for renal disease. However, altered CMC is not specific, and normal CMC can occur with kidney pathology.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Nephrology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- The renal cortex and medulla normally exhibit distinct contrast on MRI.
- Assessing the contrast between renal cortex and medulla (CMC) may offer insights into kidney health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic value of MR contrast between renal cortex and medulla (CMC) in identifying various renal diseases.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 51 patients with diverse renal conditions and 20 healthy controls.
- Analysis of T1-weighted spin-echo MRI images to assess CMC.
Main Results:
- Normal kidneys showed consistent CMC.
- Decreased or absent CMC was a sensitive but nonspecific sign across multiple renal diseases.
- Normal CMC levels were observed in some cases of lithotripsy trauma and acute obstruction.
- Elevated CMC was noted in kidneys with hemosiderosis.
Conclusions:
- Alterations in CMC are sensitive indicators of renal disease but lack specificity.
- Normal CMC values do not exclude the presence of underlying renal pathology.