Radiology Flashcards
(115 cards)
What is one of the most useful imaging modalities for assessment of the kidneys and collecting systems?
Intravenous urogram (IVP)
What is the most common current indication for IVP?
Evaluation of obstruction
What are 3 things that might cause obstruction?
- Stone
- Blood clot
- Tumor
What can IVP/IVU identify with regards to obstruction?
It’s level and the nature of the obstruction
What can distortion of the collecting systems be?
A secondary indication of a renal mass
Is a IVP good to identify a renal mass?
No, it is more effectively evaluated with other imaging modalities: CT and US
What is the initial screening exam for a patient with suspected renal pathology?
Abdominal plain film (KUB)
What are renal contours relatively well defined by in a KUB?
Adjacent fatty tissue in the perinephric space
True or False: KUB can help identify the contour of the urinary bladder?
FALSE
What is the prime utility of plain film radiography?
To identify calcifications or stones
What % of urinary tract calculi are calcified and generally visualized with plain film radiograph?
85%
What are calcification in pelvis typically?
They are frequently of vascular origin (phleboliths)
When is a retrograde pyelogram performed and who does it?
This is usually done in conjunction with cystoscopy and this is performed by a urologic surgeon
What is done in a retrograde pyelogram?
The distal portion of the ureter is catheterized and contrast is administered in a retrograde manner
When is a retrograde pyelogram particularly useful?
In the evaluation of kidneys which are non-functional or completely obstructed
What is a useful non-inasive imaging modality that uses high frequency sound waves to produce images of internal structures of the body?
Sonography
True or False: Kidneys are typically well demonstrated by US?
True
What part of the kidneys is US the most useful in evaluating?
The collecting systems
What is US helpful for screening?
Obstruction (hydronephrosis)
What is US an excellent assessment for?
Evaluation of renal mass (cyst v. solid)
What is the single most helpful examination of the kidney?
CT
When you do CT for a kidney, do you give IV contrast?
You usually do the scan before and after the administration of IV contrast
What is quite useful in the acute setting for evaluating the patient with suspected urinary obstruction secondary to a stone or calculi?
An unenhanced CT with helical aquisition
What is enhanced CT critical for?
The evaluation of renal masses, trauma, or infection