Imaging of the urinary system Flashcards

1
Q

The different types of radiography in urology are:
1.
2.

A

Plain (survey) radiography

Contrast radiography

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2
Q

In a lateral view of a normal radiograph of the abdomen, where do you centre the beam on?

A

Level of the caudal edge of the last rib, half way up from the ventral body wall

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3
Q

What are the four key points to collimate towards in a normal lateral radiograph of the abdomen?

A

Dorsal body wall dorsally
Greater trochanter caudally
Ventral body wall ventrally
Just caudal to the shoulder cranially

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4
Q

In a normal ventrodorsal view of the abdomen, where do you centre the beam?

A

In the midline at the level of the caudal edge of the last rib.
Need to go slightly more caudally in cats

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5
Q

In a normal ventrodorsal view of the abdomen, where do you collimate to?

A

The greater trochanter caually
Lateral body wall laterally
Caudal edge of the shoulder cranially

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6
Q

Why would you use a VD over a DV to look at the abdomen?

A

In a DV, the organs are more squashed up, whereas in a VD, the organs are separated out, so you can see the detail more easily.

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7
Q

Would you use a fast or slow screen when taking an abdominal radiograph?

A

Fast

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8
Q

Are the ureters normally seen on a plain (normal) radiograph?

A

No

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9
Q

The kidneys are around 2.5-2.5 times the length of L2 in a VD view, true or false?

A

True

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10
Q

In dogs, where is the right kidney approximately located?

A

T13-L1/2

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11
Q

In dogs, what structure is the right kidney in contact with cranially?

A

Caudate lobe of the liver, may not see this margin

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12
Q

In dogs, the left kidney is usually slightly more _____ and _____ than the right kidney.

A

Caudal

Ventral

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13
Q

Feline kidneys tend to be more _____ in shape and are more frequently _____ and more caudal than canine kidneys.

A

Oval

Superimposed

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14
Q

Why is the cranial pole of the right kidney often easier to see in cats than dogs?

A

It is separated from the caudate lobe of the liver by fat, making it easier to visualise.

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15
Q

Cats kidneys are normally 2-3 times the length of L2, true or false?

A

True

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16
Q

The bladder is usually found where in radiographs?

A

Caudo-ventral abdomen, midline on VD

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17
Q

Is the urethra usually visible on a radiograph in the normal animal?

A

No

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18
Q

When are contrast agents used?

A

When plain radiography gives insufficient organ detail.

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19
Q

What are the two different types of contrast agents commonly used?

A

Positive and negative

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20
Q

Positive contrast agents have a _____ atomic number, and are usually compounds containing _____ or iodine.

A

High

Barium

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21
Q

Negative contrast agents cause the structure on the radiograph to appear _____. Example of these are gases.

A

Radiolucent

22
Q

Why do negative contrast agents appear radiolucent on radiographs?

A

They absorb virtually no radiation.

23
Q

IVU (intravenous urography) uses _____ contrast media that provides both functional and anatomical information.

A

Positive

24
Q

IVU is useful because you can follow the contrast through the entire urinary tract and can obtain specific information about each stage of the IVU, true or false?

A

True

25
Q

What are the contraindications for using IVU?

A

Dehydration, hypovolaemia, severe renal failure, anuria

26
Q

IVU can be performed conscious, true or false?

A

False, IVU requires GA.

27
Q

Prior to an IVU, you would starve the animal for 24-36 hours, and would give the animal an enema, true or false?

A

True

28
Q

You would perform an IVU straight away before any plain radiographs, true or fasle?

A

False, you would always perform a plain radiograph first

29
Q

What are the different methods for administering the contrast used in an IVU?

A

High concentration with a low volume as a bolus into a peripheral vein
Low concentration with a high volume and be administered IV, but this is rarely used

30
Q

One only radiograph is taken when performing an IVU, true or false?

A

No, multiple radiographs are taken to observe the passage of the contrast through the urinary tract

31
Q

Dilated ureters are often cause for concern as they often related to _____ _____.

A

Ectopic ureters

32
Q

A _____ _____ is where contrast is introduced to the vestibule and will drain into the urethra and bladder.

A

Retrograde vaginourethrogram

33
Q

When performing a retrograde vaginourethrogram, you should be careful not to introduce too much contrast to the vagina, as this can cause the vagina to _____

A

Rupture

34
Q

A _____ _____ is where contrast is introduced to the catheterised bladder.

A

Retrograde cystogram

35
Q

Why is air a good contrast to use for a retrograde cystogram (pneumocystogram)?

A

Cheap, readily available, useful to identify the bladder (if intact) position and wall thickness

36
Q

What are the downsides of using a pneumocystogram?

A

Poor mucosal detail, may miss small tears

37
Q

Why would a positive contrast cystogram be good to use?

A

Used for suspected bladder rupture

38
Q

What medium is used for a positive contrast cystogram?

A

Water-soluble iodine

39
Q

What is a downside to using a positive contrast cystogram?

A

Expensive

40
Q

What do you use when performing a double contrast cystogram?

A

Positive contrast and air

41
Q

What are the indications of using a double contrast cystogram?

A

Good mucosal detail, contrast puddle is useful i.e. for identifying calculi

42
Q

What types of contrast studies can be performed on the urethra?

A
Retrograde urethrography (males)
Retrograse vaginourethrography (females)
43
Q

The contrast medium can be injected with _____ _____ to keep the distension of the urethra with contrast long enough to take the radiograph as otherwise it very rapidly passes into the bladder.

A

Aqueous gel

44
Q

What are the benefits of using US over radiography in urology?

A

Simple, safe (no risk of ionising radiation), cheap

45
Q

US is superior to radiography when looking at soft tissue structures of the urinary tract, true or false?

A

True

46
Q

What should the appearance of the cortex of the kidney be on US?

A

Evenly granular, hypoechoic to the liver in dogs but can be isoechoic, can be more echogenic (lighter) in cats

47
Q

The medulla of the kidney is _____ to the cortex.

A

Hypoechoic

48
Q

When looking at the cortex and medulla on US, you should look for good _____-_____ definiton.

A

Cortico-medullary

49
Q

How is the pelvis recognised on US?

A

It should be echogenity due to the peripelvic fat present

50
Q

You should be able to observe ____ layers of the bladder on US.

A

Three

51
Q

What are the different layers of the bladder that you should be able to identify on US and how should they appear?

A
Inner mucosal interface (hyperechoic)
Muscle layer (hypoechoic_)
Outer serosal layer (hyperechoic)
52
Q

What are the benefits of using CT in urology?

A

Superior soft tissue detail.