Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Acute Urinary Tract and Male Genitourinary Pathology

摘要

In the emergency setting, computed tomography (CT) is usually the imaging study of choice for evaluation of the kidneys and bladder with respect to calculi, infections, and trauma. However, in certain populations, such as children, young adults, pregnant women, or people with acute exacerbations of chronic disease, a somewhat less sensitive study without ionizing radiations may be more appropriate. Benefits of ultrasonography include portability, relatively low cost, and ability to localize pain in real time. In patients who cannot receive intravenous contrast, the sensitivity of CT decreases for diagnoses such as pyelonephritis or renal vein thrombosis and ultrasonography may become a better alternative. This section discusses the use of ultrasonography for acute flank pain and suspected nephroureterolithiasis, urinary tract infection, trauma, and several miscellaneous applications.