Background: Computed Tomography Urography (CTU) is a non-invasive imaging modality increasingly utilized for detailed evaluation of the urinary tract and kidneys. Its ability to provide high-resolution images makes it instrumental in diagnosing a variety of renal pathologies.

Objective: This study aims to explore the diagnostic role and effectiveness of CT urography in assessing renal diseases such as tumors, calculi, obstructions, congenital anomalies, and infections.

Methodology: A qualitative review of 40 published articles was conducted using databases like PubMed and Scopus. Selection was based on inclusion criteria involving cases of renal disease assessed using CT urography. Clinical parameters such as age, sex, symptom onset, and history were considered for analysis.

Results: The study confirms CT urography’s clinical utility in diagnosing renal masses, stones, obstructive uropathy, infections, and anatomical anomalies. CTU provides critical details regarding lesion morphology, extent of obstruction, and presence of complications like hydronephrosis. However, its use involves exposure to ionizing radiation, necessitating judicious application, especially in vulnerable populations.

Conclusion: CT urography is a valuable, detailed imaging technique for assessing renal pathology, guiding diagnosis, and influencing treatment strategies. While it offers superior anatomical insights, its radiation exposure risk mandates selective and cautious usage, often in combination with other diagnostic modalities.

• CT Urography; Renal Disease; Imaging; Kidney Stones; Renal Tumors; Hematuria; Radiology

Gupta M, Rather ZA, Bhardwaj P, Verma R, Yadav K (2025) CT Urography in Assessment of Renal Disease. J Radiol Radiat Ther 13(1): 1111.

CT urography (CTU), is a non-invasive imaging technique used to evaluate the urinary tract and kidneys. It is commonly used in the assessment of renal disease to visualize the structure and function of the kidneys, identify any obstructions or abnormalities, and evaluate the presence of tumors or stones [1]. Overall, CT urography is a useful tool in the evaluation of renal disease, particularly in the diagnosis and evaluation of renal tumors, obstructive uropathy, and hematuria. It provides detailed anatomical information and can help guide treatment decisions. However, as with any medical procedure, the risks and benefits should be carefully considered on a case-by-case basis [2]. Computed tomography urography (CTU), is a non-invasive diagnostic imaging technique that uses a combination of computed tomography (CT) and intravenous contrast agents to evaluate the urinary tract and kidneys. It provides detailed anatomical information and is a useful tool in the assessment of renal disease, particularly in the diagnosis and evaluation of renal tumors, obstructive uropathy, and hematuria. In this article, we will provide an overview of the current applications of CTU in the assessment of renal disease, as well as its limitations and potential risks [3]. CTU is a valuable tool in the diagnosis and evaluation of renal tumors. It can accurately detect and characterize renal masses, including differentiating between cystic and solid lesions, determining the size and location of the mass, and identifying any associated calcifications or necrosis [4]. CTU provides detailed images of the urinary system, allowing for the identification and diagnosis of various renal diseases. This imaging modality uses a combination of contrast agents and CT scans to produce high-resolution images of the urinary system [5]. CTU is useful in the evaluation of many renal conditions, including renal tumors, obstruction, and renal calculi. CT Urography is a radiologic imaging technique that uses computed tomography (CT) to evaluate the urinary tract, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra [6]. This noninvasive imaging modality provides detailed anatomical information, making it a valuable tool in the assessment of renal disease. The kidneys are the primary organs responsible for filtering and removing waste products from the body [7].They are located on either side of the spine, just above the waistline, and are roughly the size of a fist. Each kidney is made up of several structures, including the renal cortex, renal medulla, and renal pelvis. The renal cortex Is the outermost layer of the kidney and contains the glomeruli, which are responsible for filtering blood [8].The renal medulla is the middle layer and contains the loops of Henle and collecting ducts, which are involved in the reabsorption of water and other substances. The renal pelvis is the innermost part of the kidney and serves as a funnel for urine to pass from the kidney to the ureter [9]. The ureters are muscular tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder. They transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder via peristaltic contractions. The bladder is a muscular sac that stores urine until it is expelled from the body through the urethra. The urethra is a narrow tube that connects the bladder to the external environment. CT Urography is commonly used to evaluate a variety of renal conditions, including kidney stones, tumors, and congenital abnormalities [10]. The technique involves the injection of a contrast agent, which highlights the urinary tract and allows for visualization of abnormalities. The images obtained can be used to identify the location, size, and extent of renal pathology, allowing for more accurate diagnosis and treatment planning [11]. In CT urography is a valuable imaging modality in the assessment of renal disease, providing detailed anatomical information of the urinary tract, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra [12]. It is a safe and non-invasive technique that can help diagnose and guide treatment of a variety of renal conditions [13].

The qualitative study was carried out to assess the role of CT urography in assessment of renal disease. We searched PubMed and Scopus, using the some search term “CT urography is a non – invasive technique used to evaluate urinary tract and kidney and evaluate the presence of tumors and stones. In review article Data was taken on the basis of age/sex, date and time of symptoms onset and on the Basis of clinical history. 40 numbers of articles was taken for this study. 40 out of 30 are mentioned in the result.

Inclusive Criteria

• Evaluation of suspected or known urologic diseases such as kidney stones, urinary tract obstruction, renal masses, and urothelial carcinoma.

• Diagnosis and staging of renal cell carcinoma and other renal malignancies.

• Detection of congenital anomalies of the urinary tract, such as duplicated kidneys or ureters.

• Abnormal collections of fluid, such as abscesses or urinomas.

• Evaluation of patients with known or suspected renal disease.

Studies have shown that the use of CTU in the initial step to assessment of renal disease including diagnosis of hematuria (blood in the urine) and provides a detailed description of the imaging technique, with the help of patient preparation, contrast administration, and image interpretation. Computed tomography urography (CTU) is a radiological imaging technique that combines computed tomography (CT) and intravenous contrast dye to assess the urinary tract and surrounding structures, including the kidneys. CTU can provide detailed images of the renal parenchyma, renal vasculature, collecting system, and ureters, and is useful in the evaluation of a variety of renal disease. The results of a CTU in the assessment of renal disease will depend on the specific clinical indication for the study. CTU may be used to evaluate patients with suspected renal masses, renal stones, renal obstruction, or other abnormalities of the urinary tract. The findings on a CTU can help diagnose the underlying cause of renal disease and guide further management and treatment. Some common findings on CTU in the assessment of renal disease include:

• Renal masses: CTU can identify and characterize renal masses, such as cysts, solid tumors, and renal cell carcinoma. The size, location, and appearance of the mass can help determine whether it is benign or malignant.

• Renal stones: CTU can detect the presence and location of renal stones, as well as any associated obstruction or hydronephrosis.

• Renal obstruction: CTU can identify the site and severity of renal obstruction, which may be due to intrinsic or extrinsic causes.

• Congenital abnormalities: CTU can detect a range of congenital abnormalities of the urinary tract, such as duplex kidneys, ureteral duplication, and pelvic kidneys.

• Infection: CTU can identify the presence of renal abscesses, pyelonephritis, and other infectious processes in the urinary tract.

It is important that CTU involves exposure to ionizing radiation, which can increase the risk of cancer. As such, the use of CTU should be judicious and limited to cases where the benefits outweigh the risks. Alternative imaging modalities, such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), may be preferred in certain cases.

Computed Tomography Urography (CTU) is a diagnostic imaging technique that uses X-rays and computer algorithms to produce detailed images of the urinary tract. CTU is a non-invasive imaging modality that provides information about the structure and function of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder, making it a valuable tool in the evaluation of renal disease. One of the primary indications for CTU is the assessment of renal function and anatomy. CTU can be used to detect and evaluate a wide range of renal pathologies, including renal tumors, cysts, stones, and congenital abnormalities. In addition, CTU can provide information about the extent and severity of renal disease, which can help guide treatment decisions. CTU is particularly useful in the evaluation of patients with hematuria, or blood in the urine, which is a common symptom of renal disease.

CTU can help identify the source of the bleeding and determine whether it is caused by a renal mass, stone, or other underlying condition. CTU is also useful in the evaluation of patients with renal colic, or severe flank pain caused by kidney stones. CTU can help identify the size, location, and number of stones, as well as any associated complications such ashydronephrosis (swelling of the kidney), or ureteral obstruction. Overall, CTU is a valuable tool in the assessment of renal disease, providing detailed information about the structure and function of the urinary tract that can help guide treatment decisions and improve patient outcomes. CTU in Renal Assessment. Computed tomography urography (CTU) is a radiological imaging technique that has gained increasing popularity in recent years for its ability to provide detailed and accurate information about the urinary tract system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. CTU has become an important tool in the diagnosis and management of various renal diseases, such as kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and tumors. This article aims to discuss the role of CTU in the assessment of renal disease. CTU is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses a combination of X-rays and computer technology to produce detailed cross-sectional images of the urinary tract system. The technique involves the injection of a contrast agent into a patient’s vein, which then flows through the bloodstream and accumulates in the kidneys. The contrast agent helps to highlight the urinary tract system, making it easier for the radiologist to identify any abnormalities. One of the main advantages of CTU over other imaging techniques, such as ultrasound or intravenous urography, is its ability to provide three-dimensional images of the urinary tract system. This allows for a more accurate and detailed assessment of the renal anatomy and function. CTU is also able to detect small lesions or abnormalities that may not be visible on other imaging modalities. IN addition to its diagnostic value, CTU also plays an important role in the management of renal disease. For example, CTU can be used to monitor the progression of kidney stones and to assess the success of treatment interventions, such as lithotripsy or surgical removal of stones. CTU can also be used to evaluate the response of tumors to chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

However, it is important to note that CTU does expose patients to ionizing radiation, which can increase the risk of developing cancer. Therefore, CTU should be used judiciously and only when other imaging techniques are not sufficient to make a diagnosis. Additionally, precautions should be taken to minimize the radiation dose, particularly in younger patients and those with a history of radiation exposure It provides accurate and detailed information about the urinary tract system and can be used for both diagnostic and management purposes. However, the potential risks associated with radiation exposure should be carefully considered, and CTU should only be used when other imaging modalities are insufficient to make a diagnosis.

CT urography can be a useful tool in the assessment of renal disease. CT urography allows for detailed imaging of the kidneys and urinary tract, which can help detect a variety of renal abnormalities, such as tumors, cysts, stones, and obstruction. It can also provide information about the size and shape of the kidneys, as well as the presence of any scarring or inflammation. One of the advantages of CT urography is that it is a non-invasive imaging technique, which means that it does not require the insertion of any instruments into the body. This makes it a safer and less uncomfortable option than some other diagnostic procedures.

However, it is important to note that CT urography does involve exposure to ionizing radiation which can be harmful in high doses. Therefore, it should be used judiciously and only when necessary, particularly in patients who are already at risk of radiation exposure, such as children and pregnant women. Overall, CT urography can be a valuable tool in the assessment of renal disease, but it should be used in combination with other diagnostic methods and with careful consideration of the risks

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