[Radiological aspects of the urinary tract in diabetic patients]

Fifty-two intravenous pyelographic examinations performed in diabetic patients, over a period of ten years, were studied. Certain radiological patterns proved sufficiently specific to be of diagnostic use. The main function of radiology was in follow-up studies and in the detection of complications. A variety of patterns are described: pyelonephritis, renal emphysema, papillary necrosis, perinephric abscess, emphysematous cystitis, fungal infection, neurogenic bladder and calcification in the vas deferens, seminal vesicles, uterine artery and branches of the renal artery. The problem of intravenous injection of iodine contrast media in diabetic patients is discussed and risk factors are described. It is concluded that although iodine contrast media can be harmful, complications are usually mild.