[MRI of the urinary tract: recent developments and future applications].

New fast MR imaging sequences obtained with high power gradients allow dynamic analysis of parenchymal enhancement by contrast media in order to improve characterization of masses as well as a functional analysis. Phased - array coils have greatly improved spatial resolution. MR Urography is a new valuable modality to study the collecting system. Numerous acronyms are proposed with a wide range of variations between different machines. But basic principles for sequences are similar. MR can be performed in patients with renal insufficiency, iodine allergy or any other contra-indication to the use of ionizing radiation. MRI of the kidney is becoming a major imaging modality to diagnose diseases of the kidney. It provides in a rather short time a "all-in-one approach" of the pathological process.