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Normal collecting ducts: visualization at urography
1Department of Radiology, Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
Radiology
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Contrast medium revealed thin, cylindrical structures in renal pyramids in some patients. These findings, likely opacified collecting ducts, were more common with low-osmolality contrast agents.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Urology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Urograms can reveal anatomical details of the renal collecting system.
- Contrast media properties may influence imaging findings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the nature and prevalence of thin cylindrical structures observed in renal pyramids during urography.
- To compare the visualization of these structures using different types of contrast media.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of urographic studies in 636 patients with normal renal function and no urinary tract obstruction.
- Comparison of findings using low-osmolality contrast medium (iohexol) versus high-osmolality contrast medium (amidotrizoate).
Main Results:
- Thin cylindrical structures were observed in 21 of 636 patients (3.3%).
- Prevalence was significantly higher with iohexol (13.3%) compared to amidotrizoate (0.4%).
- Structures appeared within 4 minutes, persisted for 35-50 minutes, measured 0.05-0.30 mm in diameter, and represented opacified collecting duct lumina.
Conclusions:
- The observed cylinders likely represent individual collecting ducts visualized by contrast medium.
- Low-osmolality contrast media enhance the distinctness and prevalence of these findings.