Radiological Imaging of the Kidney

This book provides a unique and comprehensive analysis of the normal anatomy and pathology of the kidney and upper urinary tract from the modern diagnostic imaging point of view. The first part is dedicated to the embryology and normal radiological anatomy of the kidney and anatomic variants. The second part presents in detail all of the imaging modalities which can be employed to assess the kidney and the upper urinary tract, including ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography. Patient preparation and investigation protocols are accurately described, and the principal fields of application of each imaging modality are clearly highlighted. The entire spectrum of kidney pathologies is then presented in a series of detailed chapters. Each pathology is illustrated by high-quality images obtained with state of the art equipment and the most advanced imaging modalities, as well as by figures showing macroscopic and microscopic specimens. The latest innovations in interventional radiology, biopsy procedures, and parametric and molecular imaging are also described, as is the relationship between contrast media and kidney function. This book will be of great interest to all radiologists, oncologists, and urologists who are involved in the management of kidney pathologies in their daily clinical practice. CONTENTS Introduction: Embriology, Histology and Physiology.- Anatomy of the Kidney and Retroperitoneum.- Normal Radiological Anatomy and Variants .- Imaging and Interventional Modalities: Ultrasound .- Computed Tomography .-Magnetic Resonance Imaging.- Angiography.- Nuclear Medicine.- Renal Percutaneous Biopsy.-Interventional Radiology Procedures.- Non-tumoral Pathology: Congenital and Development Disorders.- Renal Cystic Disease.- Renal Parenchymal Diseases.-Obstructive Uropathy and Reflux Nephropathy.- Urolithiasis and Nephrocalcinosis.- Acute Infections and Pyonephrosis.- Chronic Inflammations.- Renal Vascular Diseases.- Imaging of Renal Trauma.- Tumoral Pathology: Benign Renal Tumors.- Renal Carcinomas.- Radiofrequency Treatment of Renal Tumors.- Cystic Renal Masses.- Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Kidney.- Renal Sarcomas and Renal Lymphomas.- Rare and Secondary Tumors of the Kidney.- Special Topics: The Pediatric Kidney.- The Kidney in the Elderly.- Renal Failure and Renal Transplantation.- Dialysis and Its Complications.- Contrast Media - Induced Nephropathy.- Renal Perfusion Quantitation and Functional Imaging of the Kidney.- Molecular Imaging of Renal Tumors and Tumoral Antigen Targeting.- Research Perspectives and Future Trends in Renal Imaging.