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

Abstract

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.

Keywords

• cysts
• haematuria
• infections
• renal masses
• urinary bladder
• urolithiasis