Imaging Renal and Urological Diseases Flashcards
What causes renal colic?
Usually ureteric calculus
Which conditions may simulate renal colic?
- Pyelonephritis
- Gynaecological disease
Which investigation is done if either pyelonephritis or gynaecoligical disease are suspected to be simulating renal colic?
USS
Which investigations are carried out in a patient with suspected renal colic caused by ureteric calculi?
- KUB x-ray
- CT
- MRI
What is a KUB x-ray?
An abdominal x-ray of the kidneys, ureters and bladder
In which instance would different tests be used to examine renal colic as a result of ureteric calculi and which tests would be utilised?
Pregnancy
USS or MRI
Which test is generally done first for suspected renal colic as a result of ureteric calculi?
KUB x-ray
- Easy to obtain
- Only shows a minority of the most severe renal tract calculi
How can the renal collecting system including the ureters and bladder be made visible on imagine?
IV contrast
(intravenous urogram)
At which sites do ureteric calculi generally become stuck?
- Pelviureteric junction
- Pelvic brim
- Vesicoureteric junction (ureteric orifice)
For which two main reasons does a KUB x-ray lack specificity and sensitivity respectively?
Many other causes of calcification can be picked up e.g. uterine fibroids, lymph nodes, arterial calcification
Small or radiolucent calculi are not shown
What is the definitive test for detecting ureteric calculi?
Non-contrast enhanced CT
For which 3 reasons is a non-contrast enhanced CT a suitable test for diagnosing a patient with suspected ureteric calculi?
Shows almost all calculi irrespective of size or calcium content
Highlights areas of obstruction increasing diagnostic confidence
Can point to alternative diagnoses e.g. appendicitis or hernia
What are the two downsides to non-contrast enhancing CT in detecting ureteric calculi?
Occasionally struggles to distinguish between small calculi and phleboliths
High radiation dose should be avoided in pregnancy, young females or when USS/MRI could get the same information
What is a phlebolith?
A small local, usually rounded, calcification within a vein
What is macroscopic haematuria?
Visible blood in the urine
Where can macroscopic haematuria arise?
- Kidney
- Ureter
- Bladder
- Urethra
Which investigations can a used for those over 50 to determine the cause of macroscopic haematuria?
CT urography
Cytoscopy
What parts of the urinary tarct can cytoscopy examine?
Bladder and urethra
What additional options does ureteroscopy (cytoscopy) give when examining for macroscopic haematuria?
Confirms tumour if CTU is equivocal
Ablation of tumours in patient unable for nephroureterectomy