Urinary tract abnormalities: initial experience with multi-detector row CT urography

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate multi-detector row computed tomographic (CT) urography for detection of urinary tract abnormalities.

Materials and methods: Sixty-five patients referred from the urology service, in whom urinary tract abnormalities were strongly suspected, underwent multi-detector row CT urography. The technique included unenhanced, nephrographic, compression, and excretory-phase images through the abdomen and pelvis. Transverse images and three-dimensional reformations were reviewed by one of two radiologists. Findings were retrospectively compared with results of urinalysis, cystoscopy and/or ureteroscopy, and/or surgery.

Results: Multi-detector row CT urography depicted many clinically diagnosed urinary tract abnormalities, including 15 of 16 uroepithelial malignancies, five congenital anomalies, five urinary tract calculi, and 18 calyceal and/or papillary, 30 renal pelvic and/or ureteral, and 25 bladder abnormalities. All abnormalities were detected on transverse images. These abnormalities included diffuse urothelial wall thickening in four patients (three of whom had transitional cell carcinoma), a renal abscess, a colovesical fistula, and incidentally detected extrarenal disease (a liver mass, hepatic metastases, lymph node metastases, an aortic dissection, and a pheochromocytoma; each of these findings was seen in one patient).

Conclusion: Multi-detector row CT urography is a useful method for detecting urinary tract abnormalities.