GU imaging Flashcards
3 radiological modalities for renal calculi
abdominal xray
CT KUB
US
1st line Ix for renal calculi
CT KUB
4 adv of CT KUB for renal calculi
- High sensitivity and specificity for calculi
- Images the whole urinary tract so can show the number and location of all stones
- Low dose reduces exposure to ionising radiation
- Non-contrast so safe in patients with renal impairment
2 limitations of CT KUB for renal calculi
- Reduced sensitivity for other intra-abdominal pathologies
- Certain rare types of renal stone (eg indinavir) are not radio-opaque and therefore not visible on CT
3 commonest sites for calculi to obstruct
pelvi-ureteric junction
pelvic brim
vesico-ureteric junction
what is hydronephrosis?
Dilatation of the urinary collecting system in the kidney due to obstruction of urinary drainage
6 causes of hydronephrosis
- Urinary tract calculi
- Urinary tract malignancy
- Pelvi-ureteric junction stenosis
- Extrinsic ureteric compression eg due to pelvic malignancy
- Prostatic enlargement causing bladder outflow obstruction
- Pregnancy
1st line Ix for hydronephrosis
US
2 adv of US for hydronephrosis
Fast study which demonstrates hydronephrosis clearly
No ionising radiation
2 disadv of US for hydronephrosis
Difficult to visualise ureters so may be unable to determine level and cause of obstruction
If suspecting malignant pathology, CT may be more appropriate to provide more information on extent of disease
1st line Ix for testicular trauma
US
1st line Ix for gynaecological emergencies
TVUS
3 CIs for TVUS in gynaecological emergencies
paediatric patients
virginal status
patient declines
alternative option than TVUS
transabdominal scan with full bladder
what is an ovarian torsion
Rotation of the ovary on its vascular pedicle, resulting in impairment of the blood supply
