Abdominal imaging
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To determine the appearance of renal abscesses on gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) images, we reviewed 12 MR studies of eight patients with renal abscesses. These findings were compared with findings on other imaging modalities. ⋯ Renal abscesses are clearly shown on gadolinium-enhanced MR images as low-signal-intensity lesions associated with prominent perinephric inflammatory strands. In this study, NCCT and ultrasound studies are poor at defining abscesses. Despite lesser contrast resolution of CECT versus MRI, the findings in cases of renal abscesses are similar. In patients with elevated serum creatinine, iodine contrast allergy, or the need for serial exams, MRI may be the best imaging technique to evaluate renal abscesses.