MRI Hydronephrosis Study

Comparison of Rapid Protocol Noncontrast MRI vs. Ultrasound in the Evaluation of Pediatric Hydronephrosis

The purpose of this study is to compare a rapid noncontrast MRI protocol not requiring sedation to ultrasound in the assessment of hydronephrosis.

Ultrasound is the most commonly performed imaging modality used to assess hydronephrosis. The average renal ultrasound exam takes about 15-25 minutes to complete, however, it does have several disadvantages, including substantial operator dependence, having to rely on an adequate "sonographic window" to see the structures of interest and difficulty in visualization of portions of the kidney and urinary tracts.

Recent MRI advances have made rapid imaging possible. Such imaging has minimized motion related artifacts and need for sedation.

This study is to compare traditional ultrasound imaging to a raid noncontrast protocol MRI examination of the kidneys and urinary tract that would require no sedation and less than 15 minutes to perform.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Children 2 years of age and younger
• Diagnosed with hydronephrosis and scheduled for an ultrasound scan

Exclusion Criteria:

• Healthy subjects