Multidetector computed tomography in the diagnosis and staging of renal trauma

Abstract

Background In cases of renal trauma with stable general condition of the patient, contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) is preferred for examination. In addition to a rapid intervention, most of the important data related to parenchymal injury degree are provided with or without inclusion of pelvicalcyeal system (PCS) and injuries of renal blood vessels. Aim of the study This study focuses on the assessment of the impact of different multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) phases in the diagnosis and staging of renal trauma either of blunt or penetrating cause. Patients and methods This prospective study was carried out on 20 patients, ranging in age between 5 and 55 years, clinically suspected to have renal trauma, referred from the Urology Department and Outpatient Clinics to the Diagnostic Radiology and Medical Imaging Department in Tanta University Hospitals for MDCT examination. Results In terms of vascular injury, 17 patients (85%) had no vascular injury and 3 patients had vascular injury (15%). Nine patients (45%) had grade IV vascular injury and six patients had grade III vascular injury (30%), grade I and II vascular injury was present in two patients each (10%) and grade V vascular injury was present in only one patient (5%). Conclusion CECT is the most preferred method for assessment of renal trauma and other associated injuries; most of the important data related to parenchymal injury degree are provided with or without inclusion of PCS and injuries of renal blood vessels with a sensitivity of 90–100%.