MDCT Imaging of Acute Bladder Pathology

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Urology
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Emergent bladder conditions require prompt and accurate diagnosis.
• Multidetector computed tomography (CT) is crucial for evaluating acute bladder pathologies.
• Understanding CT findings aids in differentiating traumatic, infectious, and obstructive etiologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the pathophysiology, presentation, and CT findings of emergent bladder conditions.
• To illustrate CT cystographic techniques and bladder trauma classification.
• To discuss imaging features of acute urinary retention and cystitis.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on emergent bladder conditions and their CT imaging.
• Discussion of computed tomography (CT) cystographic techniques.
• Presentation of classification systems for bladder trauma and imaging examples.

Main Results:

• Detailed illustration of CT findings for bladder trauma, including common and rare injuries.
• Explanation of the pathogenesis and imaging appearance of mechanical and neurogenic acute urinary retention.
• Comprehensive review of CT features for various forms of cystitis and their complications.

Conclusions:

• Multidetector CT is essential for diagnosing emergent bladder conditions.
• Accurate interpretation of CT findings guides management of bladder trauma, obstruction, and infection.
• This review provides a framework for understanding and diagnosing critical bladder pathologies on CT.