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Genitourinary MR imaging
Magn Reson Imaging Clin N Am 12 (2004) xi
Preface
Genitourinary MR Imaging
Vivian S. Lee, MD, PhD Guest Editor
Although recent technologic advances have greatly expanded the application of MR imaging in the clinical evaluation of diseases throughout the body, one of the most dramatic changes has been in the evaluation of the genitourinary system. Faster imaging methods translate readily into more tolerable breath-hold acquisitions and improved image quality for abdominal imaging. Even newer methods, such as interpolation and parallel imaging strategies, have further increased image resolution and shortened acquisition times. The high spatial resolution and intrinsic tissue contrast of MR imaging enable superb visualization and characterization of renal, adrenal, prostate, and bladder anatomy and pathology. Moreover, the lack of nephrotoxicity of gadolinium chelate contrast agents is particularly useful in subjects who have or are at risk for renal insufficiency. This has played a particularly important role in the growth of renal MR angiography to evaluate patients with renal insufficiency or suspected renovascular disease. Beyond improved anatomic depictions and characterizations of disease, MR advances are pushing into new frontiers. Minimally invasive therapeutic approaches demand improved methods for monitoring and guiding treatments. Assess-
ment of renal function can be performed with MR imaging noninvasively and can be used to supplement clinical anatomic studies and provide new insights into the physiology and pathophysiology of both native and transplanted kidneys. Spectroscopic studies of the prostate, by providing chemical assays of tissue noninvasively, are proving to be useful for the detection and differentiation of malignancies from other pathologies. New contrast agents, such as iron-based particles, are providing the opportunity to significantly improve detection of malignant lymph nodes. The aim of this issue of the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Clinics of North America is to provide readers with an overview of the state-of-theart in genitourinary MR imaging, both in terms of current clinical standards and new frontiers of advancement. The authors should be lauded for the superb quality of their contributions. Vivian S. Lee, MD, PhD Department of Radiology New York University Medical Center 530 First Avenue—HCC Basement (MRI) New York, NY 10016, USA E-mail address: [email protected]
1064-9689/04/$ - see front matter Ó 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. doi:10.1016/j.mric.2004.03.012
Preface
Genitourinary MR Imaging
Vivian S. Lee, MD, PhD Guest Editor
Although recent technologic advances have greatly expanded the application of MR imaging in the clinical evaluation of diseases throughout the body, one of the most dramatic changes has been in the evaluation of the genitourinary system. Faster imaging methods translate readily into more tolerable breath-hold acquisitions and improved image quality for abdominal imaging. Even newer methods, such as interpolation and parallel imaging strategies, have further increased image resolution and shortened acquisition times. The high spatial resolution and intrinsic tissue contrast of MR imaging enable superb visualization and characterization of renal, adrenal, prostate, and bladder anatomy and pathology. Moreover, the lack of nephrotoxicity of gadolinium chelate contrast agents is particularly useful in subjects who have or are at risk for renal insufficiency. This has played a particularly important role in the growth of renal MR angiography to evaluate patients with renal insufficiency or suspected renovascular disease. Beyond improved anatomic depictions and characterizations of disease, MR advances are pushing into new frontiers. Minimally invasive therapeutic approaches demand improved methods for monitoring and guiding treatments. Assess-
ment of renal function can be performed with MR imaging noninvasively and can be used to supplement clinical anatomic studies and provide new insights into the physiology and pathophysiology of both native and transplanted kidneys. Spectroscopic studies of the prostate, by providing chemical assays of tissue noninvasively, are proving to be useful for the detection and differentiation of malignancies from other pathologies. New contrast agents, such as iron-based particles, are providing the opportunity to significantly improve detection of malignant lymph nodes. The aim of this issue of the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Clinics of North America is to provide readers with an overview of the state-of-theart in genitourinary MR imaging, both in terms of current clinical standards and new frontiers of advancement. The authors should be lauded for the superb quality of their contributions. Vivian S. Lee, MD, PhD Department of Radiology New York University Medical Center 530 First Avenue—HCC Basement (MRI) New York, NY 10016, USA E-mail address: [email protected]
1064-9689/04/$ - see front matter Ó 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. doi:10.1016/j.mric.2004.03.012