Imaging of Genitourinary Trauma

Abstract

Blunt and penetrating abdominal trauma can cause significant injury to the genitourinary organs, and radiologic imaging plays a critical role both in diagnosing these injuries and in determining the management. In this article, we describe and illustrate the spectrum of injuries that can occur in the genitourinary system in order to facilitate accurate and rapid recognition of the significant injuries. Imaging plays a crucial role in the evaluation of the genitourinary tract in a patient who has suffered either blunt or penetrating trauma because multiorgan injury is common in such patients. Contrast-enhanced CT is the primary imaging technique used to evaluate the upper and lower urinary tract for trauma. Cystography and urethrography remain useful techniques in the initial evaluation and follow-up of trauma to the urinary bladder and urethra.