Lower Urinary Tract Injuries: A Guide for the Emergency Radiologist

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Urology
• Trauma Surgery

Background:

• Traumatic lower urinary tract injuries are rare but serious, often associated with severe trauma and multiple abdominopelvic injuries.
• These injuries can be overlooked, leading to increased morbidity and mortality.
• Radiologists must be aware of high-risk mechanisms and injury patterns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review imaging findings of traumatic lower urinary tract injuries.
• To highlight appropriate imaging modalities and techniques for diagnosis.
• To emphasize the importance of accurate diagnosis for patient care and prognosis.

Main Methods:

• Review of imaging findings in traumatic bladder and urethral injuries.
• Discussion of computed tomography cystography and retrograde urethrography techniques.
• Emphasis on radiologist familiarity with high-risk trauma scenarios.

Main Results:

• Computed tomography cystography and retrograde urethrography are effective diagnostic tools.
• These imaging modalities play a crucial role in patient management.
• Accurate diagnosis impacts patient prognosis.

Conclusions:

• Familiarity with imaging findings is essential for radiologists managing trauma patients.
• Prompt and accurate diagnosis of lower urinary tract trauma improves patient outcomes.
• Imaging plays a critical role in the evaluation and prognosis of these injuries.