Value of Magnetic Resonance Imaging for the Diagnosis of Ureteral Diseases

Objective:To study the value of magnetic resonance imaging for the diagnosis of ureteral diseases. Methods:19 cases of ureteral diseases confirmed by operation and pathology were reviewed.MRI techniques included T1WI and T2WI performed in all patients,enhanced MRI in 7 patients and MRU in 11 patients.MRI findings were retrospectively analyzed and correlated with surgical and pathological results.Results:19 cases of ureteral diseases included ureteral carcinoma (n=7),invasions of ureter by bladder carcinoma (n=3),ureteral and renal tuberculosis (n=4),ureteral anomaly (n=4) and ureteral polyp (n=1).Localization accuracy rates of 100% and specificity of 94.7% were achieved for MRI in the diagnosis of ureteral diseases.Conclusion:MRI is an effective imaging modality for detecting ureteral diseases,it can offer all around information for the differentiation from inflammation to tumor,benign to malignant tumor,also TNM staging of malignant tumor and the detailed condition of ureteral anomaly.