CTU and MRU are of greater usefulness because they allow for the comprehensive evaluation of the genitourinary tract, as well as the assessment of retroperitoneal and pelvic lymph nodes (see CTU and MRU sections). MRI Abdomen Without IV Contrast There is limited literature to support the use of MRI Abdomen without IV contrast (separate from MRU) in the pretreatment staging of UTUC. Imaging of the entire abdomen and pelvis would be indicated for a comprehensive assessment of the entire urothelial system and evaluation for metastases. CTU and MRU are of greater usefulness because they allow for the comprehensive evaluation of the genitourinary tract, as well as the assessment of retroperitoneal and pelvic lymph nodes (see CTU and MRU sections). MRI Head Without and With IV Contrast There is no relevant literature to support the routine use of MRI head without and with IV contrast in the pretreatment staging of UTUC. Metastatic involvement of the brain in UTUC is rare. Individual use in patients with neurologic symptoms could be considered. Pretreatment Staging of Urothelial Cancer MRI Head Without IV Contrast There is no relevant literature to support the use of MRI head without IV contrast in the pretreatment staging of UTUC. MRI Pelvis Without and With IV Contrast There is no relevant literature to support the use of MRI pelvis without and with IV contrast (separate from MRU) in the pretreatment staging of UTUC. MRI Pelvis Without IV Contrast There is no relevant literature to support the use of MRI pelvis without IV contrast (separate from MRU) in the pretreatment staging of UTUC. MRU Without and With IV Contrast MRU may be performed for nodal, synchronous upper tract or bladder, and metastatic staging. MRU is a viable alternative for CTU in the evaluation of UTUC. The main benefit of MRU over CTU includes inherent higher contrast resolution [62].
Pretreatment Staging of Urothelial Cancer. CTU and MRU are of greater usefulness because they allow for the comprehensive evaluation of the genitourinary tract, as well as the assessment of retroperitoneal and pelvic lymph nodes (see CTU and MRU sections). MRI Abdomen Without IV Contrast There is limited literature to support the use of MRI Abdomen without IV contrast (separate from MRU) in the pretreatment staging of UTUC. Imaging of the entire abdomen and pelvis would be indicated for a comprehensive assessment of the entire urothelial system and evaluation for metastases. CTU and MRU are of greater usefulness because they allow for the comprehensive evaluation of the genitourinary tract, as well as the assessment of retroperitoneal and pelvic lymph nodes (see CTU and MRU sections). MRI Head Without and With IV Contrast There is no relevant literature to support the routine use of MRI head without and with IV contrast in the pretreatment staging of UTUC. Metastatic involvement of the brain in UTUC is rare. Individual use in patients with neurologic symptoms could be considered. Pretreatment Staging of Urothelial Cancer MRI Head Without IV Contrast There is no relevant literature to support the use of MRI head without IV contrast in the pretreatment staging of UTUC. MRI Pelvis Without and With IV Contrast There is no relevant literature to support the use of MRI pelvis without and with IV contrast (separate from MRU) in the pretreatment staging of UTUC. MRI Pelvis Without IV Contrast There is no relevant literature to support the use of MRI pelvis without IV contrast (separate from MRU) in the pretreatment staging of UTUC. MRU Without and With IV Contrast MRU may be performed for nodal, synchronous upper tract or bladder, and metastatic staging. MRU is a viable alternative for CTU in the evaluation of UTUC. The main benefit of MRU over CTU includes inherent higher contrast resolution [62].