Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the female lower urinary tract

Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging have become invaluable imaging modalities in the diagnosis of diseases involving the lower urinary tract. Both CT and MR imaging are able to accurately stage bladder carcinoma, with MR imaging able to distinguish between superficial and deep muscle invasion of tumor. CT and MR are also the studies of choice for evaluating retroperitoneal fibrosis, which often affects the urinary tract; MR imaging is often able to detect the presence of active inflammation and occasionally rule out a malignant cause. MR imaging holds promise for the evaluation of stress urinary incontinence and urethral disease. Although diseases of the distal ureter continue to be most accurately diagnosed by intravenous urography and retrograde studies, CT and MR imaging may serve a helpful secondary role.