Ultrasound , Mri renal lesions?

Question

Suggested MRI for kidney. Mri for kidney with or with out contrast. Much conterversery of the contrast material. does the contrast inhance the images better than with no contrast and if done without can I be sure I have a good MRI

Answer 1

"Enhancement" refers to how bright the organ becomes after contrast compared to the pre-contrast study, so without contrast there is, by definition, no enhancement.

Contrast is important to distinguish cysts, which are benign, from potential cancer. Cysts may have an unusual appearance, and it is sometimes difficult to distinguish a cyst that has bled from a tumor without the use of contrast. Certain MRI studies do not require contrast, but if you are having the MRI to evaluate renal lesions I recommend it, otherwise the study and report will be limited.

MRI contrast is safe, but there have been reports of a condition called nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) associated with MRI contrast *in patients who already have poor kidney function.* (If your renal function is bad enough to put you at risk, you already know about it.) If you have poor renal function, you should discuss the contrast issue with your doctor, because you may have to accept a limited, noncontrast study. If your kidney function is normal or near normal, there is nothing to worry about.

Ultrasound can often determine that a lesion is cystic, but if it is a more complicated lesion, or a tumor, the doctor will want another study like CT or MRI anyway. If the lesion is very small, it may be difficult to evaluate on any test.

Answer 2

MRI without contrast give you some good pictures. How sure do you need to be? No test, including MRI with contrast, is a perfect test, and there are risks associated with the contrast material, so judgment is required. That's why you have a doctor deciding this for you.

Answer 3

MRI with contrast gives far better clearer picture than just a plain or non-contrast MRI. Non-contrast MRI can have some masses or lesions missed, particularly when they are small.

Answer 4

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