CT diagnosis of chyluria after partial nephrectomy
Frank H Miller1, Ana L Keppke, Vahid Yaghmai
1Department of Radiology, Northwestern University, The Feinberg School of Medicine, 676 N St. Clair, Ste. 800, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. fmiller@northwestern.edu
AJR. American Journal of Roentgenology
|December 21, 2006
Summary
Computed tomography (CT) can identify fat in the bladder after partial nephrectomy, indicating chyluria from lymphatic injury. This finding, often requiring no treatment, should not be misdiagnosed.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Radiology
- Surgical Complications
Background:
- Partial nephrectomy is a common procedure for kidney tumors.
- Lymphatic injury can occur during partial nephrectomy, potentially leading to complications.
- Chyluria, the presence of chyle in urine, is a rare complication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the computed tomography (CT) findings of chyluria after partial nephrectomy.
- To differentiate chyluria from other potential abnormalities seen on CT post-surgery.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of CT scans from patients who underwent partial nephrectomy.
- Analysis of imaging characteristics suggestive of chyluria.
Main Results:
- Fat within the bladder was identified on CT scans in patients post-partial nephrectomy.
- This finding was consistent with chyluria secondary to lymphatic injury.
Conclusions:
- CT is effective in diagnosing chyluria after partial nephrectomy by identifying intraluminal fat.
- Chyluria post-partial nephrectomy is typically a self-limiting condition not requiring intervention.
- Radiologists should be aware of this CT finding to avoid misdiagnosis.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
Introduction:For diagnosing acute pyelonephritis, a comprehensive patient history is collected to identify symptoms such as dysuria, frequent or urgent urination, flank pain, or costovertebral angle (CVA) tenderness that may suggest a kidney infection.Physical ExaminationDuring the physical examination, CVA tenderness is assessed. This involves gentle percussion over the costovertebral angle, where tenderness often indicates a kidney infection.Diagnostic TestsUrinalysis: Used to identify white...
01:20Cholecystitis
Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder, most commonly caused by obstruction of the cystic duct. This blockage prevents bile from draining, leading to gallbladder distension, inflammation, and potentially serious complications. This condition may present acutely or chronically and can happen with or without gallstones.EtiologyAbout 95% of cholecystitis cases are calculous, caused by gallstones blocking the cystic duct, leading to bile accumulation and inflammation of the gallbladder...
01:26Nursing Assessment of the Genitourinary System II: Inspection and Palpation
The nursing assessment of the genitourinary (GU) system involves a systematic inspection and palpation to identify abnormalities in the kidneys, bladder, and surrounding structures.InspectionMouth: Inspect for signs of kidney dysfunction, such as stomatitis (inflammation of the mouth) and ammonia breath, which may occur in advanced kidney disease due to the buildup of urea, breaking down into ammonia.Skin: Check for pallor, which could indicate anemia caused by kidney disease. Look for...
01:25Urinary Tract Calculi VI: Surgical Management
Procedures for Kidney StonesMedical intervention is necessary when kidney stones or renal calculi are too large to pass spontaneously (typically greater than 5 millimeters) when stones are accompanied by symptomatic infection (such as fever or pyelonephritis), when they impair kidney function, or when they cause persistent symptoms like severe pain, nausea, or urinary retention. Additionally, patients with only one kidney or those who cannot be treated with medical management also require...
01:29Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care
The management of chronic pancreatitis is multifaceted, involving a comprehensive approach that includes thorough assessment, diagnostic testing, and a variety of management strategies.
Assessment:
Assessment:
01:27Imaging Studies III: Computed Tomography
DefinitionComputed Tomography (CT) of the genitourinary (GU) tract is a non-invasive imaging modality that utilizes X-rays and computer processing to generate detailed cross-sectional images of the urinary system, encompassing the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and adjacent structures such as the adrenal glands.PurposeCT scans of the GU tract serve several diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, including:Diagnosis of Urinary Tract Diseases: Detects kidney stones, tumors, cysts, and congenital...