genitourinary disorders
Genitourinary Imaging Tests
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Compared with CT, MRI is safer for patients at risk of Contrast Nephropathy , does not expose patients to ionizing radiation, and provides superior soft-tissue detail (but images bones and calculi poorly). Magnetic resonance imaging is contraindicated in patients with ferromagnetic metal (ie, containing iron) implants and magnetically activated or electronically controlled devices (eg, cardiac pacemakers). See also the Also, due to the risk of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, MRI with gadolinium contrast is contraindicated in patients with glomerular filtration rate (GFR)<30 mL/min. Urologic application of MRI includes the evaluation of renal cysts and small renal masses. MRI is also helpful in imaging blood vessels (eg, for Renal Artery Stenosis and Occlusion and Multiparametric MRI is now the imaging study of choice for staging Prostate Cancer and for serial imaging of patients with prostate cancer on active surveillance. A multiparametric MRI examination includes paramagnetic contrast and consists of 3 separate imaging techniques (parameters): T2-weighted imaging, diffusion-weighted imaging, and dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging. A technique known as MRI fusion biopsy is sometimes used during a 