Magnetic resonance urography (MRU) and functional magnetic resonance urography (fMRU) in children
Autori:
Goran Roić, Filip Murn, Iva Palčić, Tonći Grmoja, Dubravko Bobinec, Ana Tripalo Batoš, Andrea Cvitković Roić
Sažetak
Summary
Magnetic resonance urography (MRU) and functional magnetic resonance urography (fMRU) are imaging diagnostic methods that allow us to perform complete morphological and functional diagnostics of the urinary system in children. We use MRU in the evaluation of kidney and urinary tract morphology, while fMRU enables quantitative analysis of kidney function and excretion parameters through a series of functional parameters. These methods are of special importance for children patients in the diagnosis of relatively common congenital anomalies of the urogenital system, diagnosis of the cause and the level of obstruction of the urinary system. The advantage of magnetic resonance over other imaging methods, such as ultrasound, renal scintigraphy and micturition cystoureterography (MCUG), is the possibility of complete and unified morphological and functional evaluation of the urinary system, as well as non-invasiveness in the sense of avoiding ionizing radiation. Considering the mentioned characteristics, MRU and fMRU significantly help in making correct clinical decisions for non-surgical and surgical treatment, when assessing the condition due to complications of surgical procedures, and in cases where other imaging methods do not provide sufficient diagnostic information. The most common clinical indications for the use of MRU and fMRU are suspicion of urinary tract obstruction, surgical planning, postoperative complications, detailed assessment of urogenital kidney anatomy, and quantitative assessment of renal function and excretion. MRU and fMRU are therefore extremely useful and informative diagnostic methods in children’s age that allow us to fully evaluate the kidneys and urinary system, providing unique information, and replace a number of other imaging tests. A relative disadvantage is the need for anesthesia or sedation when performing the test in children under five years of age, and the complexity of the program used to
analyze functional data, which requires highly specialized personnel as well as the time required for data processing and interpretation. Due to their qualities, these demanding radiological diagnostic imaging methods have an increasingly important role in the routine diagnosis and treatment of pediatric nephrology and urology patients.