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MR Urography in Children

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Diseases of the Abdomen and Pelvis 2014–2017

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Abstract

Magnetic resonance urography (MRU) is a powerful clinical tool that fuses anatomic information with functional data in a single test without the use of ionizing radiation. This chapter provides an overview of the technical aspects, as well as common clinical applications, of MRU, with an emphasis on evaluating hydronephrosis. A fluid challenge is an essential part of our MRU protocol and enables the definition of compensated or decompensated kidneys within the spectrum of hydronephrosis. This classification may have prognostic implications when surgery is being considered. In addition, underlying uropathy can be identified on the anatomical scans, and renal scarring can be seen on both anatomical and dynamic scans. MRU can identify and categorize dysmorphic kidneys in vivo and may provide insight into congenital abnormalities seen in conjunction with vesicoureteric reflux (VUR). MRU is still in its infancy, and as the technique develops and becomes widely available, it seems likely that it will supplant renal scintigraphy for evaluating renal tract disorders in children.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA

    Richard A. Jones, J. Damien Grattan-Smith & Stephen Little

  2. Department of Radiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA

    Richard A. Jones & J. Damien Grattan-Smith

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  1. Richard A. Jones
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Radiology, University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland

    J. Hodler

  2. Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland

    G. K. von Schulthess

  3. Radiology, Kantonsspital, Baden, Switzerland

    R. A. Kubik-Huch

  4. Kilchberg/Zurich, Switzerland

    Ch. L. Zollikofer

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© 2014 Springer-Verlag Italia

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Jones, R.A., Grattan-Smith, J.D., Little, S. (2014). MR Urography in Children. In: Hodler, J., von Schulthess, G.K., Kubik-Huch, R.A., Zollikofer, C.L. (eds) Diseases of the Abdomen and Pelvis 2014–2017. Springer, Milano. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-5659-6_39

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-5659-6_39

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Milano

  • Print ISBN: 978-88-470-5658-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-88-470-5659-6

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