Imaging of XXXX : evaluation of fast MRI and helical CT.

@entity1 @entity8 @entity5 @entity1358 @entity703
The purpose of this study is to compare triphasic helical CT and fast MRI with respect to detection, characterization and staging of suspected renal masses. To achieve this triphasic helical CT (plain, corticonephrographic and tubulonephrographic phase) and MRI with fast T(1) weighted and T(2) weighted sequences were performed in 29 @entity1 with a suspected @entity8 . Image quality, lesion characterization and lesion extent were assessed for both methods in all @entity1 . The acquisition phase for CT and the image sequence for MRI offering the best image quality and best diagnostic information regarding renal parenchyma, renal vessels, detection of enlarged lymph nodes, and other abdominal organs were determined. Histologically confirmed @entity1358 (n=18) were staged based on the Robson classification. Quantitative data were obtained from operator-defined regions of interest (ROIs) in all acquisition phases (CT) and all image sequences (MRI). For most criteria the rating of image quality for helical CT was generally higher as compared with fast MRI. CT and MRI detected all 24 histologically proven masses, while no false positive solid @entity5 was diagnosed with both imaging modalities. All three acquisition phases in CT and all applied image sequences in MRI were regarded as necessary in order to gain important diagnostic information. Altogether, 12 of 18 @entity1358 (67%) were correctly staged by CT and MRI. Helical CT and fast MRI allow the correct detection and characterization of suspicious @entity8 . Both imaging modalities can be recommended for clinical routine application. Although the correct histological staging of @entity703 remains difficult for both imaging methods, both are excellent in providing the critical staging information needed before surgery. Helical CT offers a significantly shorter acquisition time to cover the entire abdomen.
