MAGNETIC-RESONANCE UROGRAPHY BY BREATH-HOLD CONTRAST-ENHANCED 3-DIMENSIONAL FISP

The purpose of this study was to present our initial experience with c ontrast-enhanced MR urography with a breath-hold three-dimensional ima ging technique. We performed MR urographic studies in two pigs (four s tudies) and five human subjects using gadopentetate dimeglumine. The F ISP sequence we used was the same as the one used for contrast-enhance d three-dimensional breath-hold angiography. MR three-dimensional urog rams were obtained 7-24 minutes after the contrast injection with a do se as low as .03 mmol/kg. The calyces, renal pelves, and meters were v ery well visualized. Three-dimensional MR urography can be acquired wi thin a single breath-hold after administration of gadolinium chelates. This technique could become part of a protocol that could potentially lead to a single comprehensive diagnostic workup for suspected ureter al obstruction and gross hematuria.