Related Experiment Videos
[MR urography with the T2-weighted turbo-spin-echo sequence]
C Siewert1, S Venz, R Friedrichs
1Strahlenklinik und Poliklinik, Universitätsklinikum Rudolf Virchow, Freie Universität Berlin.
Aktuelle Radiologie
|September 1, 1995
Summary
Fast T2-weighted spin-echo sequences enable magnetic resonance urography (MRU) to visualize urinary tract dilation and tumor-induced stenosis without contrast media. This technique aids diagnosis when other methods fail due to patient limitations.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Urology
Context:
- Diagnosing distal ureteral and urinary tract obstruction, particularly tumor-induced stenosis, is challenging with conventional ultrasound and X-ray.
- Intravenous contrast media, often required for diagnostic imaging, are contraindicated in patients with renal insufficiency or allergies.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the efficacy of fast T2-weighted (turbo-) spin-echo sequences (T2-TSE) for non-contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance urography (MRU).
Summary:
- Seven patients with suspected tumor-induced urinary tract obstruction underwent MRU using a T2-TSE sequence in the coronal plane.
- Maximal intensity projection (MIP) was used to generate MRU images.
- The T2-TSE MRU technique successfully visualized urinary tract dilation and stenosis in 6 out of 7 patients, providing a urogram-like representation.
Impact:
- Fast T2-TSE MRU offers a viable, non-contrast imaging alternative for diagnosing urinary tract dilation and tumor-induced stenosis.
- This method can overcome limitations of traditional imaging modalities and contrast agent contraindications.
- It facilitates accurate localization of obstructive lesions in the urinary tract.