Current role of magnetic resonance imaging in urology

Abstract

Magnetic resonance imaging has demonstrated an increasing utility in the evaluation of urologic disorders. Although magnetic resonance imaging has been shown to be superior to ultrasonography and computed tomography in the evaluation of a number of urologic problems, it remains a problem-solving modality. The biggest obstacle to increasing the use of magnetic resonance imaging remains its limited availability and relatively high cost. In the evaluation of renal tumors and bladder cancer, magnetic resonance imaging is recommended instead of computed tomography in patients with contraindications to iodine contrast media, or after computed tomography when pertinent clinical questions have not been fully answered. The role of radiology in staging prostate cancer is controversial but, if imaging is recommended, magnetic resonance imaging is the single best modality for locoregional and nodal assessment of the cancer. Magnetic resonance imaging has unique applications for evaluating urethral carcinoma, urethral trauma, and Peyronie's disease. Complimentary use of magnetic resonance imaging with ultrasonography appears to be the best approach to identifying nonpalpable undescended testis and scrotal pathology.