Magnetic resonance imaging of the adrenal gland and kidney.

MR is able to detect and characterize the majority of disease entities which affect the adrenal glands and kidneys. In the evaluation of the adrenal glands in-phase and out-of-phase T1-weighted imaging may be the most effective noninvasive method to distinguish benign adenomas from malignant masses. T2-weighted images are sensitive and relatively specific for the investigation of pheochromocytoma. Although MRI is excellent at evaluating the kidneys, the lower cost and good image quality of CT render it the primary diagnostic tool for renal imaging. The major current applications for MRI of the kidneys include evaluation of patients with allergy to iodinated contrast, renal failure, and the characterization of complicated renal lesions. Evaluation of venous thrombus in the context of renal cancer is likely also a useful role for MRI.