Magnetic resonance imaging and its application in urology.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) adds an additional dimension to radiologic diagnostic technique. In addition to topographic anatomic display, this new nonionizing modality is capable of providing functional information as well as data about the chemical composition of a given organ and blood flow velocity. In a short period of time in clinical experience its application in urology already includes evaluation of adrenal pathology regarding adrenal hyperplasia and adrenal tumors, diagnosis and staging of renal cell carcinoma, evaluation of retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy, and retroperitoneal fibrosis. In the pelvis, MRI promises to improve our diagnosis and staging of malignancy in the urinary bladder and prostate gland. This is only the beginning of clinical evaluation and the true potential of magnetic resonance, and further clinical indications are constantly evolving.