Improved assessment of renal lesions in pregnancy with magnetic resonance imaging.

OBJECTIVES: To ascertain the potential utility of magnetic resonance imaging in providing additional clarification of those solid renal mass lesions identified at routine antenatal ultrasonography in early pregnancy and influencing the management of such lesions. METHODS: We present 7 patients in whom magnetic resonance imaging was used to diagnose, stage, and monitor renal lesions detected during pregnancy. RESULTS: Magnetic resonance imaging provided for improved imaging of renal mass lesions identified at antenatal ultrasonography, without the use of ionizing radiation, and permitted management determined by optimal radiographic assessment of such lesions without fetal irradiation. CONCLUSIONS: Magnetic resonance imaging is the most appropriate method to further investigate renal masses identified at routine antenatal ultrasonography early in pregnancy.