scholarly journals Role of Multi-Detector Computed Tomography Urography in Evaluation of Renal Tract Abnormalities

Author(s):  
KR Shankar ◽  
S Mythri

Introduction: Computed Tomography Urography (CTU) is currently the modality of choice for imaging the urinary tract. Advanced CTU allows a thorough evaluation of the kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder and other structures simultaneously. Common conditions investigated by means of CTU include renal calculi, renal cancer, congenital kidney and ureter abnormalities, and certain renal inflammatory conditions. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of Multi-Detector Computed Tomography (MDCT) urography in diagnosing renal tract abnormalities and correlation of the imaging data with clinical features. Materials and Methods: It was a descriptive study conducted between November 2017 and November 2019 involving fifty patients, aged 18-80 years with various renal abnormalities. This was a descriptive study involving both outpatients and inpatients. Triphasic examinations were carried out, including noncontrast, contrast enhanced and delayed images using a multidetector-row CT scanner. Chi-square and Fisher’s-Exact Test were used to assess the significance of study parameters. Results: Of the 50 suspected cases, 48 (96%) had renal tract abnormalities. The most common diagnosed condition was urolithiasis (36%), followed by congenital abnormalities (24%), renal masses/cysts/infections (14%), and bladder pathology/collecting system abnormalities/postoperative complications (16%). Urolithiasis was characterised by severe abdominal pain. Patients having renal masses in the urinary tract exhibited haematuria and weight loss. In case of congenital renal abnormalities, the clinical features were not significantly correlated. Conclusion: MDCT urography is a very useful tool for diagnosing renal tract abnormalities.

Author(s):  
Yang-Ting Hsu ◽  
Jo-Chi Jao

Radiologic technologists face various types of patients during multi-detector computed tomography (CT) examinations. In emergency departments, it is common to have patients who cannot follow instructions for the examinations. The asymmetric axial view of the head CT might affect the correctness of the clinician’s diagnosis. This study aimed to assess the impact of head positioning on the image quality of head CT using two phantoms. All scans were performed on a 16-slice CT scanner. In the control group, the tilted angle of the phantoms was 0[Formula: see text], and no multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) was performed. In the experimental groups, the tilted angles of the phantoms were 5[Formula: see text], 10[Formula: see text] and 15[Formula: see text], respectively, and MPR was performed afterwards. The results showed that if the head was tilted during the head CT examinations, image asymmetry and artifacts appeared without MPR. After MPR, one phantom showed that there were significant differences and the other phantom showed no significant differences quantitatively in image symmetry and artifacts between experimental groups and the control group, while both phantoms showed no significant differences qualitatively in image symmetry and artifacts between experimental groups and the control group. Although MPR can correct the image asymmetry and artifacts caused by tilted head positioning to some extent, it consumes time. Therefore, technologists should position the head as exactly as possible when performing head CT examinations.


2020 ◽  
pp. 084653712093395
Author(s):  
Jessica Common ◽  
Milita Ramonas ◽  
Abdullah Alabousi

Purpose: To determine the diagnostic yield of computed tomography urography (CTU) in patients evaluated for hematuria with negative cystoscopy and to assess the added value of CTU when compared with ultrasound (US) in this patient population. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted of patients who underwent CTU within 12 months of negative cystoscopy for workup of hematuria at our institution from January 2016 to December 2017. Computed tomography urography findings were recorded and compared to clinical diagnoses to determine diagnostic yield. Computed tomography urography and US findings were compared in patients who underwent both examinations. Patient characteristics (age, sex, smoking history, and hematuria subtype) were reported. Results: A total of 657 patients met the inclusion criteria, including 108 patients aged 50 years and younger. No cause for hematuria was identified in 41% of patients overall and 58% of patients aged 50 years and younger. The most common diagnoses were benign prostatic hyperplasia and urolithiasis, accounting for 25% and 21% of patients, respectively; 0.6% of patients were diagnosed with an upper urinary tract malignancy, all older than 50 years. Although US was superior or equal to CTU for diagnosis in 83% of patients who underwent both examinations, US had a 0% sensitivity for detection of upper urinary tract malignancy. Conclusion: The low diagnostic yield of CTU and low prevalence of upper urinary tract malignancy in patients evaluated for hematuria with negative cystoscopy, particularly those aged 50 years and younger, call into question the appropriateness of multiphasic CTU as a first-line imaging modality in this population.


MDCT ◽  
2008 ◽  
pp. 155-165
Author(s):  
Sean E. McSweeney ◽  
Owen J. O’ Connor ◽  
Michael M. Maher

Author(s):  
Eugene Teoh ◽  
Michael J. Weston

Computed tomography (CT) has increased in use exponentially for the assessment of patients with renal tract pathology. This has been promoted by the availability of multidetector thin-slice CT so that intravenous urography has been superseded by CT urography. The latter may be considered as a ‘one-stop’ imaging investigation for haematuria, with increased detection of both urinary tract cancers and urolithiasis. Multiplanar reformats are made possible with the use of thin slices, allowing clear delineation of other pathologies such as urinary tract injury. In the transplant recipient, protocols have been developed for the assessment of more immediate complications such as thrombotic and stenotic disease. During follow-up, CT continues to inform the management of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder and other immunosuppressant-related complications. Unenhanced CT of the urinary tract has established its role in assessment of patients with renal colic, with the ability to detect pathology outside of the urinary tract. Renal CT has been developed for the characterization of renal masses, accompanied by the now well-established Bosniak renal cyst classification system. As the usefulness of CT increases, clear awareness of safety issues has to be maintained. These include the administration of intravenous iodinated contrast medium in higher-risk patient groups, particularly those with renal impairment. The radiation burden that comes with CT poses an added risk to the patient that should not be ignored. This necessitates clear referral guidelines for its use, which should be applied in careful balance with the global assessment of the patient.


2011 ◽  
Vol 25 (11) ◽  
pp. 1733-1740 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evelyne C.C. Cauberg ◽  
C.Y. Nio ◽  
Jean M.C.H. de la Rosette ◽  
M. Pilar Laguna ◽  
Theo M. de Reijke

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