Computed tomography in genitourinary pathology

Computed tomography (CT) provides accurate localization of pathologic processes within the abdomen and also frequently contributes information regarding the nature of the process. A review of 50 patients with suspected genitourinary pathology studied with CT suggests that this new noninvasive diagnostic modality can provide increased diagnostic accuracy but that it will not replace conventional abdominal radiography and intravenous urography as the primary screening examination for such patients. Situations in which CT has proved valuable include: (1) evaluation of areas which are relatively "blind" on conventional radiography: anterior and posterior margins of kidneys, paravertebral and midline portions of retroperitoneum, and base of bladder; (2) evaluation of patients with severely compromised function of one or both kidneys, including assessment of amount of functioning renal parenchyma and possible demonstration of cause of obstructive hydronephrosis; (3) evaluation of patients in whom intravenous urography is contraindicated; (4) differentiation of solid from cystic masses of kidney; (5) evaluation of spread of tumor outside boundaries of kidney; and (6) staging of bladder tumors.