TRANSITIONAL-CELL CARCINOMA OF THE UPPER URINARY-TRACT - STAGING BY MRI

Background: This study evaluates the ability of MRI to stage transitio nal cell carcinoma of the upper urinary tract. Methods: Nine patients who had transitional cell carcinoma of the upper urinary tract detecte d by other imaging modalities underwent MRI examination at 1.5 T. Imag ing included pre- and postgadolinium-DTPA T1-weighted images (9 patien ts) pre- and postgadolinium chelate T1-weighted fat-suppressed spin ec ho (7 patients), Postcontrast images were acquired prior to the presen ce of gadolinium within the collecting system (<2 min postcontrast), i ntermediate (2.5-8 min), and late (>10 min) postcontrast. Images were prospectively interpreted and lesion staging was determined. Correlati on with histopathology was obtained in all cases. Results: Transitiona l cell cancers were demonstrated in 9/9 patients, and tumors ranged in size from 2 to 8 cm (mean = 3.8 cm) in one dimension. Correct tumor s taging was performed in 8/9 patients. The staging error in one case oc curred because direct tumor extension into the renal parenchyma was no t detected. Conclusions: The results of this preliminary study show th at MRI stages transitional cell cancers relatively well; however, MRI is not able to detect superficial invasion of renal parenchyma.