The role of contrast agents in the diagnosis of renal diseases.

The behavior of dynamic enhancement using imaging modalities such as enhanced computed tomography, enhanced magnetic resonance, and contrast-enhanced ultrasound is one of the most important features of imaging characterization of kidney diseases. The enhancement pattern depends on the macrovasculature and microvasculature and is correlated with specific pathologic features. This review focuses on the enhancement pattern of different renal conditions including inflammatory, vascular, and oncologic diseases, with emphasis on the pathophysiological bases of altered perfusion.