Objective: To evaluate the accuracy of MR imaging in the staging of bladder carcinoma and to correlate the results with pathological stage. Material and methods: Through June 2001 to January 2003, 20 patients of newly diagnosed bladder carcinoma with a mean age of 45±9.94 years who were candidates for radical cystectomy were included in the study. Patients with distant metastases or those with past history of malignancy elsewhere were excluded. The clinical stage for each patient was determined from the results of the conventional techniques. To avoid artifacts and edema of the bladder wall, cystoscopy and cold cup biopsy / transurethral resection was performed at best 2–3 weeks before magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI was performed with a 0.2 tesla permanent magnet system (Sigma 0.2T System GEM SO CO1). Within 3 weeks after MRI all patients underwent radical cystectomy. MRI images were prospectively interpreted by two radiologists and reviewed for consensus by one urologist without knowledge of the f...