Imaging Renal and Urinological Conditions# Flashcards
what usually causes renal colic and how does it present?
ureteric calculus
colicky pain localised to left or right side
what may present similar to renal colic?
pyelonephritis
gynaecological disease
AAA
types of renal calculi?
most are rich in calcium and are dense
some are calcium poor and of lower density (contain urate)
investigation of renal calculi
KUB plain X ray
CT
MRI
what is KUB X ray
first line imaging in suspected renal colic
typically comprise an image of the upper/mid abdomen and secondary image of pelvis
path of ureters?
pass inferiorly over psoas
descend anterior to tips of lumbar transverse processes
cross iliac bifurcation and enter pelvis
posteriormedially and enter posterior bladder
where do calculi commonly get stuck?
pelviureteric junction
pelvic brim
vesicoureteric junction
drawback of KUB X ray?
lacks specificity as many other causes of calcification can mimic renal calculi
lacks sensitivity as small or radiolucent calculi are not shown
what can mimic calculi?
phleboliths
lymph nodes
uterine fibroids
arterial calcification
what is the definitive test for ureteric calculus?
non-contrast CT (CT stone search)
benefits of stone search CT?
shows all calculi irrespective of size or calcium content
shows signs of obstruction raising diagnostic confidence
may show alternative diagnosis
drawbacks of CT stone search?
struggles to distinguish small pelvic calculi and phleboliths when there are no secondary signs
high radiation dose (should be avoided in pregnancy, all young females where MRI/US could give similar info)
renal colic follow up?
most calculi pass spontaneously
use simplest test which showed calculus initially to check its progress (don’t use a CT to check a stone which was shown on X ray, don’t expect an X ray to show a stone which was only seen on CT initially)
what can cause macroscopic haematuria?
calculi infection tumour urethritis/prostatitis trauma clotting disorders can be multifocal
how are over 50s investigated?
CT urography
cystoscopy (examines bladder and urethra)
- gives option for ureteroscopy if needed (to confirm tumour, ablate tumours unfit for nephroureterectomy etc)
what do over 50s need different investigation?
higher cancer risk
how is CT urography performed?
CT scan before contrast
administer IV contrast which is concentrated and excreted by kidneys over 15 mins
top up does of IV contrast to enhance renal parenchyma
second CT scan following contrast
CT urography is good at detecting what?
renal parenchymal tumours
urothelial tumours of collecting system/ureters
what type of tumour commonly occurs in the renal tract?
transitional cell carcinoma
investigation of under 50s with macroscopic haematuria?
kidney US
cystoscopy
CTU only when US and cystoscopy are normal and macroscopic haematuria persists
MR urography is useful in which patients?
contrast allergy
renal impairment
pregnancy
(as doesn’t require contrast or radiation)
how does CT characterise renal masses?
size
density
uniformity
internal morphology
what renal masses are generally safe?
those under 3cm rarely meatstasize so usually just monitored rather then excised
what characteristics indicate a benign renal mass?
containing fat
uniform cysts