Comparative magnetic resonance imaging of renal space-occupying lesions with a high and a low field MRI system.

Purpose: A prospective study of the diagnostic accuracy and image quality o f two MRI systems in the detection of renal tumors was investigated. Materi als and Methods: 34 patients with the clinical suspicion of a space-occupyi ng renal lesion were examined by MRI with a low field (0.2 Tesla magnet) an d a high field (1.5 Tesla magnet) for comparison. An "informed" and a "blin d" observer evaluated all of the RnR images. In addition, the signal-to-noi se and contrast-to-noise ratios were evaluated as second quality parameters . Results: In 29 cases the results could be compared with a confirmed relea se diagnosis. Diagnostic accuracy was comparable with both systems (Sensiti vity for both observer on LF apparatus: 83%, HF apparatus: 81%) although th e signal-to-noise and contrast-to-noise ratios were significantly poorer at low field. Conclusions: The low field system in comparable to the high fie ld MRI for detection and differentiation of renal space-occupying lesions.