MR imaging of cystic renal masses.

MR imaging has proven to be an important imaging modality in the evaluation of cystic renal masses. Because it is becoming more widely used, it is necessary to be able to characterize cystic renal masses accurately using MR imaging alone. We review the indications for the use of MR imaging and discuss the findings present in a variety of cystic renal masses. The role of MR imaging in the characterization of cystic lesions of the kidney is summarized and compared with the CT findings in the Bosniak renal cyst classification. It is expected that the increasing experience with the use of MR imaging in cystic renal masses will add to our ability to diagnose and manage these cases successfully.