Lecture 9: Radiology imaging of the renal tract

Question 1

What are radio-opaque stones vs non-radio-opaque stones?

Answer 1

• Radio opaque stones have calcium
• Non-radio opaque made from uric acid

Question 2

What can plain film xray identify and why is it good?

Answer 2

• Radio opaque stones
• good because its cheap

Question 3

What is an IVU?

Answer 3

• Plain x-ray but with contrast injection
• can show blockage
• replaced now CT and MRI

Question 4

What can an ultrasound see and why is it good?

Answer 4

• Can asses kidneys
  
  • Renal stones
  • Renal obstruction
  • Renal mass
  • Bladder lesions
• Cant asses ureters as air in bowel fucks up ultrasound
• Good as no radiation
  
  • Can be used antenatal and on infants safely

Question 5

What is CT is used for? pros and cons?

Answer 5

• Used for more accurate assesment of soft tissues, fluid and calcification
• Its bad as:
  
  • Expensive
  • significant radiation

Question 6

What is MRI used for? pros and cons?

Answer 6

• Excellent for soft tissue and fluid evaluation
• Can get clear image of BVs
• Pros:
  
  • No radiation
• Cons:
  
  • Expensive
  • slow

Question 7

What is nuclear medicine used for? Pros and cons?

Answer 7

• Used as a functional test - assess the function and excretion of the kidneys
• usuful for obstruction
• cons:
  
  • involves radiation

Question 8

What are you looking for in antenatal renal imaging?

Answer 8

• Agenesis
  
  • OK pre birth however fucked after birth. will present with decreased size of belly as baby is not excreting fluid
• Polycystic kidneys
• Multi-cystic dysplastic
• obstructed kidneys
  
  • PUJ
  • posterior urethral valve
• Reflux

Question 9

What is an MCU?

Answer 9

• Micturating cystourethrogram
• When you image when the baby pees
  
  • if PUJ will go back into ureters giving dilated ureters