Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 24, 2026

Point-of-Care Kidney and Genitourinary Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition
03:19

Point-of-Care Kidney and Genitourinary Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition

Published on: June 21, 2024

CT urography for hematuria

Nigel C Cowan1

  • 1The Manor Hospital, Beech Road, Oxford OX3 7RP, UK. nccowan.uro@gmail.com

Nature Reviews. Urology
|March 14, 2012
PubMed

Insights

CT urography is recommended for investigating hematuria in patients at high risk for urothelial cell carcinoma (UCC). This advanced CT scan aids in early diagnosis of bladder cancer, kidney cancer, and stones, improving patient prognosis.

Area of Science:

  • Radiology and Imaging
  • Urology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Hematuria, or blood in urine, can indicate serious conditions like bladder cancer, upper urinary tract urothelial cell carcinoma (UUT-UCC), renal cell cancer, or urinary tract stones.
  • CT urography (CT imaging of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder during the excretory phase after contrast) is an evolving diagnostic technique.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate CT urography as a primary diagnostic tool for hematuria, particularly in patients at high risk for urothelial cell carcinoma (UCC).
  • To compare the diagnostic accuracy and efficiency of CT urography against other imaging modalities for hematuria investigation.

Main Methods:

  • CT urography involves acquiring images of the urinary tract during the excretory phase after intravenous contrast administration.
  • The study reviews the diagnostic performance of CT urography for detecting urothelial cell carcinoma (UCC) and other urinary tract pathologies.

Main Results:

  • CT urography demonstrates high diagnostic accuracy for urothelial cell carcinoma (UCC), outperforming other imaging techniques.
  • It serves as an effective triage test, potentially replacing other imaging modalities and cystoscopy, leading to earlier diagnosis and improved outcomes for various urinary tract diseases.

Conclusions:

  • CT urography is recommended as the initial imaging test for patients presenting with hematuria and high risk for urothelial cell carcinoma (UCC).
  • Addressing current challenges through educational programs and advanced biopsy techniques can further enhance CT urography's utility and reduce diagnostic errors.

More Related Videos

Ultrasonography of the Adult Male Urinary Tract for Urinary Functional Testing05:25

Ultrasonography of the Adult Male Urinary Tract for Urinary Functional Testing

Published on: August 14, 2019

Assessing Urinary Tract Junction Obstruction Defects by Methylene Blue Dye Injection06:05

Assessing Urinary Tract Junction Obstruction Defects by Methylene Blue Dye Injection

Published on: October 12, 2017

Related Concept Videos

Imaging Studies V: Intravenous Urography and Retrograde Pyelography01:22

Imaging Studies V: Intravenous Urography and Retrograde Pyelography

IntroductionIntravenous Urography (IVU) and Retrograde Pyelography (RP) are important diagnostic imaging techniques used to evaluate the urinary system. These methods help identify structural abnormalities, obstructions, and functional issues in the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. Both procedures use iodine-based contrast media to enhance the visibility of urinary tract structures on X-ray images, though they differ in their methods and indications.1. Intravenous Urography (IVU)Intravenous...
Imaging Studies II: Ultrasonography01:24

Imaging Studies II: Ultrasonography

IntroductionUltrasonography, or renal ultrasound, is a noninvasive medical imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to visualize the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and surrounding tissues.Indications for Urinary System UltrasonographyUrinary system ultrasonography is indicated in various clinical scenarios, such as:Kidney Stones (Urolithiasis): To detect and monitor the size and presence of kidney or urinary tract stones.Hydronephrosis: To assess the dilation of the renal pelvis and...
Imaging Studies VI: Voiding Cystourethrography and Cystography01:22

Imaging Studies VI: Voiding Cystourethrography and Cystography

Voiding Cystourethrography (VCUG) and Cystography are specialized radiographic procedures used to examine the structure and function of the bladder and urethra.Voiding Cystourethrography (VCUG)A Voiding Cystourethrogram (VCUG) is a diagnostic imaging procedure that assesses the anatomy and function of the lower urinary tract. It focuses on the bladder, bladder neck, and urethra, helping detect abnormalities such as vesicoureteral reflux (VUR)—the backward or reverse flow of urine into the...
Urologic Endoscopic Procedure: Cystoscopic Examination01:28

Urologic Endoscopic Procedure: Cystoscopic Examination

Meaning of Cystoscopic Examination:Cystoscopy is an essential diagnostic tool in urology that is used to assess the structure and function of the genitourinary system. It provides a direct view of the urethra, bladder, and, in some cases, the ureteral openings. This procedure helps detect structural abnormalities, infections, cancers, and blockages in the urinary tract. There are two types of cystoscopy:Flexible cystoscopy is commonly performed in outpatient settings due to its less invasive...
Imaging Studies III: Computed Tomography01:27

Imaging 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...
Imaging Studies I: Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder Studies01:28

Imaging Studies I: Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder Studies

Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder (KUB) StudiesKidney, Ureter, and Bladder (KUB) studies are standard diagnostic imaging procedures used to assess the anatomy of the urinary system. They are commonly utilized for patients experiencing abdominal pain or urinary symptoms. By using a simple X-ray of the abdomen, KUB studies can reveal structural and pathological abnormalities within the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. These studies are particularly valuable in diagnosing kidney stones, urinary...