Magnetic resonance and computed tomography in pediatric urology: an imaging overview for current and future daily practice

Abstract

The main imaging modality of the urinary tract in children is ultrasound. When further cross-sectional morphologic examination and/or functional evaluation is required, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is the logical and optimal second step, particularly in pediatric patients. There are two main exceptions to this. The first one is when after an ultrasound, additional diagnostic imaging for urolithiasis is needed. The second one involves severe polytrauma, including blunt abdominal trauma. In this review, an overview of the MR imaging and computed tomography examinations important for current and future daily pediatric uroradiologic practice is presented.

Keywords: CT; CT cystography; Children; MR imaging; MR urography; Urinary tract.