312 Background: Upper urinary tract tumors (UUTT) can occur synchronous or metachronous (0.7 – 6%) with bladder tumors. The optimal imaging technique of the upper urinary tract is unclear. Studies on the accuracy of retrograde pyelography (RUP) and comparative studies on detection level are sparse. In this study we evaluated the effectiveness of a first RUP in patients with a first manifestation of urothelial cell carcinoma (UCC) in the urinary tract. Methods: In this retrospective study we evaluated all consecutive patients with pathologic proven UCC who underwent their first RUP between March 1998 and April 2008 in the University Medical Center Groningen, Netherlands. Data regarding patient and tumor characteristics, results from RUPs, use of alternative imaging techniques, treatment and outcome were collected from the electronically patient’s records. Follow up was calculated from the first RUP to the last registrated visit. Descriptive statistics have been used to evaluate the performance of the RUP. Results: A total of 156 patients underwent a first RUP because of a first manifestation of UCC of the bladder or upper urinary tract. A mean follow up of 5.09 years was achieved (range 0-13 years). On 17 RUPs (11%) abnormalities were detected. In 16 patients a malignancy was diagnosed. Except one renal cell carcinoma all tumors were UCC of the renal pelvis, ureters or both. Muscle invasive tumors were diagnosed in 7 of these 17 patients. In 30 patients (19%) no conclusive results were obtained because of failure of the RUP due to technical difficulties. In 19 of 30 patients alternative imaging was performed, with intravenous pyelography in 11 patients, computer tomography urography in 7 patients and with both in 1 patient. No UUTTs were diagnosed in this group. In 109 (70%) patients whit a negative RUP three patients developed a tumor after 8, 52, and 65 months. The latter two we consider as newly developed lesions. Conclusions: RUP in patients with a first manifestation of UCC is a very sensitive and accurate diagnostic tool in detecting UUTT.
