Computed tomographic imaging of renal and ureteral emergencies

A variety of renal and ureteral pathologies are encountered on computed tomographic scans performed in the emergency department. Although these are often suspected based on the patient's clinical presentation, they may also be fortuitous or incidental findings. Stone disease is the most common genitourinary condition seen in the acute setting; however, other conditions such as infection, hemorrhage, acute ischemic disease, and iatrogenic and traumatic injuries may also occur. We review the computed tomographic features of the spectrum of these conditions.