MR UROGRAPHY USING HASTE IMAGING IN THE ASSESSMENT OF URETERAL OBSTRUCTION

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to evaluate an MR sequence us ing half-Fourier acquisition single-shot turbo spin-echo (HASTE) imagi ng in the assessment of ureteric obstruction. SUBJECTS AND METHODS. We prospectively evaluated 111 kidneys in 56 consecutive patients with H ASTE MR urography and compared that imaging technique with excretory u rography. The HASTE sequence was used to acquire images in the axial, sagittal, and coronal planes while patients held their breath. Level o f obstruction and ureteric diameter were assessed, and the time requir ed to determine the level of obstruction by both techniques was noted. RESULTS. With HASTE MR urography, we correctly diagnosed obstruction in 41 (100%) of 41 kidneys. Of the obstructed kidneys in which the ure ter was shown by both excretory urography and MR urography, agreement was high (kappa=.642) between the two imaging techniques regarding the level of obstruction. HASTE MR urography showed perirenal fluid in 20 (87%) of 23 acutely obstructed kidneys. HASTE MR urography showed the site of obstruction on the first 13-sec scan in 33 (80%) of 41 kidney s. CONCLUSION. HASTE MR urography accurately and rapidly shows the lev el and degree of ureteric obstruction. It can be used to differentiate between acute and chronic obstruction on the basis of its ability to show perirenal fluid.