CT kidneys, ureters and bladder (protocol)

Changed by Yuranga Weerakkody, 24 Jun 2015

Updates to Article Attributes

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Computed tomography of Kidneys, Ureters, Bladder (CT KUB) is a quick non-invasive technique for diagnosis of urolithiasis. It is usually initial considered the initial imaging modality for suspected urolithiasis in an emergency setting 1.

Advantages

  • quick
  • easily accessible
  • identification of calcified renal tract calculi and their sequelae
  • assessment of other causes of flank pain if negative for calculus disease

Disadvantages 

  • exposure to ionizing radiation

Technique

Procedure 

Actual procedure will vary depending on institutional protocol/guidelines but below is a typical description:

  1. Non contrast CT scanning is ideally performed on a multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) scanner.
  2. Supine or prone patient positioning
    • prone has the advantage of assessing stones near the VUJ which may have just passed
    • some institutions may perform a limited pelvic scan in prone if the supine scan shows a calculus near the VUJ
  3. Data interpretation with the use of axial, sagittal and coronal reformatted images for proper evaluation.

Findings

  • identification of calcified renal tract calculi size and position
  • stone composition assessment with dual energy CT
  • assessment of the sequelae of calculi
    • obstruction
    • infection
  • assessment of other causes of flank pain if negative for calculus disease
  • presence of further calculi at risk of obstructing
  • -<p><strong>Computed tomography of Kidneys, Ureters, Bladder (CT KUB)</strong> is a quick non-invasive technique for diagnosis of <a href="/articles/urolithiasis">urolithiasis</a>. It is usually initial imaging modality for suspected urolithiasis in an emergency setting <sup>1</sup>.</p><h4>Advantages<sup> </sup>
  • +<p><strong>Computed tomography of Kidneys, Ureters, Bladder (CT KUB)</strong> is a quick non-invasive technique for diagnosis of <a href="/articles/urolithiasis">urolithiasis</a>. It is usually considered the initial imaging modality for suspected urolithiasis in an emergency setting <sup>1</sup>.</p><h4>Advantages<sup> </sup>

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