Comparison of high-field magnetic resonance imaging with computed tomography in the evaluation of blunt renal trauma.

Abstract

To compare magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and computed tomography (CT) in radiographic staging of blunt renal trauma. A prospective study. Fourteen patients with blunt renal trauma not requiring early surgical treatment underwent CT, and high-field (1.0 T) MR imaging. MR imaging equaled CT in correctly grading the renal injury. The coronal and sagittal projections of MR imaging were helpful in determining the extent of the renal parenchymal lesion. Both methods were accurate in finding perirenal hematomas, assessing the viability of renal fragments, and detecting pre-existing renal abnormalities, but failed to visualize urinary extravasation on initial examination. Although CT remains the method of choice in radiographic staging of renal injury, MR imaging can complement CT in patients with severe renal injury, pre-existing renal abnormality, equivocal CT findings, or when repeated radiographic follow-up is required. MR imaging could replace CT in patients with iodine allergy and be used for initial staging if CT is not available.