Imaging studies in the diagnosis of urogenital trauma

Polytraumatized patients often present with urological injuries. After hemodynamic stability is maintained urologists are consulted to evaluate diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. The following article describes how to handle the work-up of patients with injuries to specific urogenital organs: the importance of clinical examination, ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), angiography as well as organ-specific radiologic studies such as intravenous pyelography or cystography are discussed.

Even though injuries to the urogenital tract are rarely initially life--threatening, a fast, reliable and adequate diagnostic algorithm has to be established to avoid any delay of specific treatment. Urologists should be familiar with the indications, range and accuracy of these procedures in the diagnosis of urogenital trauma.