MR urography in children: current status and future development

The normal anatomy and many pathologies of the pediatric genitourinary syst em can be assessed with different imaging modalities, Most of them are base d on the use of ionizing radiation and/or invasive techniques. The contribu tion of magnetic resonance imaging in this regard has opened new ways of ap proaching pathological conditions in this patient group. The addition of th e newly developed rapid techniques has enhanced the superiority of MRI, and both morphological and functional evaluation of the genitourinary system c an be achieved. There are different factors on which rely the optimization and the efficiency of magnetic resonance urography (MRU). Of importance is adequate patient immobilization and the use of optimal imaging sequences. T he rapid technical development, including the advent of the post-processing respiratory navigator, allows acquisition of high-quality images independe nt of the patient's respiratory rate. In the future, it is expected;that MR U, due to its non-use of ionizing radiation, will become the most important tool in the diagnostic work-up of genitourinary pathologies in infants and :small children.