Renal radiology

This chapter acts as an introduction to Chapters 10–16 and highlights the uses of plain radiography, fluoroscopy, ultrasound, computed tomography, positron emission tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, radionuclide studies, and image-guided intervention. All imaging studies work best if a specific question is asked. This helps to choose both the best modality and protocol to answer the question. The clinical information given will often assist the interpretation of the findings. The more vague the indication for a scan, the less likely that useful information will be provided. Both the requesting clinician and the radiologist need to be clear how the scan result will alter management. Performing imaging procedures that will not alter the outcome is wasteful and unkind to the patient.