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Radiologic findings in acute urinary tract obstruction
M Y Chen1, R J Zagoria, R B Dyer
1Department of Radiology, Bowman Gray School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157-1088, USA.
The Journal of Emergency Medicine
|May 1, 1997
Summary
Intravenous urography (IVU) reveals various abnormalities in acute urinary tract obstruction, most commonly caused by ureteral stones. Careful IVU evaluation is crucial, as some radiopaque stones may not be detectable.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Urology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Acute urinary tract obstruction is a common clinical scenario.
- Intravenous urography (IVU) is frequently used in managing this condition.
- The spectrum of IVU findings in acute obstruction requires thorough characterization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore and document the intravenous urography (IVU) findings in patients presenting with acute urinary tract obstruction.
- To identify common causes and locations of acute urinary tract obstruction based on IVU results.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 380 patients undergoing IVU over a 6-month period.
- Identification of 53 patients with confirmed acute urinary tract obstruction.
- Analysis of IVU abnormalities, causes, and locations.
Main Results:
- 14% of reviewed patients had acute urinary tract obstruction, predominantly in the lower ureter.
- Ureteral stones were the most frequent cause (64%), followed by edema/lucent stones (30%).
- Common IVU findings included hydroureter (46), nephropyelographic delay (36), and hydronephrosis (35).
Conclusions:
- Intravenous urography (IVU) demonstrates a range of findings in acute urinary tract obstruction.
- Ureteral stones are the primary etiology, but non-visualized stones can occur.
- Thorough IVU interpretation is essential for diagnosing acute urinary obstruction, even when stones are not clearly seen.