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Updated: May 11, 2026

Point-of-Care Kidney and Genitourinary Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition
Published on: June 21, 2024
Nephrographic and pyelographic analysis of CT urography: principles, patterns, and pathophysiology
Ely A Wolin1, David S Hartman, J Ryan Olson
1Department of Radiology, Penn State College of Medicine, The Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, 500 University Dr, Hershey, PA 17033, USA. ewolin@hmc.psu.edu
This review covers normal kidney anatomy and physiology for CT urography interpretation. It details eight abnormal nephrographic patterns to aid diagnosis during kidney evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Renal Physiology
Background:
- The nephrogram is crucial for evaluating kidneys during CT urography.
- Understanding normal kidney anatomy and physiology is essential for accurate interpretation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the anatomy and physiology underlying a normal nephrogram.
- To discuss basic principles for interpreting the nephrogram.
- To illustrate and discuss eight abnormal nephrographic patterns.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of renal anatomy and physiology.
- Analysis of principles affecting nephrogram interpretation.
- Compilation and description of abnormal nephrographic patterns.
Main Results:
- Detailed explanation of normal nephrogram formation.
- Identification of key factors influencing nephrogram appearance.
- Categorization and description of eight distinct abnormal nephrographic patterns.
Conclusions:
- Recognition and understanding of abnormal nephrographic patterns are facilitated by this review.
- This work enhances the diagnostic capabilities of clinicians interpreting CT urography.
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