CT Urography Findings of Upper Urinary Tract Carcinoma and Its Mimickers: A Pictorial Review

Abstract

Urothelial carcinoma (UC) is the fourth most frequent tumor in Western countries and upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC), affecting pyelocaliceal cavities and ureter, accounts for 5–10% of all UCs. Computed tomography urography (CTU) is now considered the imaging modality of choice for diagnosis and staging of UTUC, guiding disease management. Although its specificity is very high, both benign and malignant diseases could mimic UTUCs and therefore have to be well-known to avoid misdiagnosis. We describe CTU findings of upper urinary tract carcinoma, features that influence disease management, and possible differential diagnosis.

Keywords

• CT urography
• urinary tract imaging
• urinary tract tumor
• urothelial carcinoma
• upper tract urothelial carcinoma
• benign urinary tract lesions