Kidneys and urinary tract

Imaging of the kidneys and urinary tract are done with different techniques depending mainly upon clinical symptoms and signs. Ultrasound is fast, and a very useful screening-tool in experienced hands. It has a high sensitivity to detect focal pathological changes mainly in the kidneys and bladder. Urography is frequently used to detect calculi in the collecting system and may provide some information about functional impairment of the kidney. CT is able to characterise mass lesions in the renal parenchyma and to detect tiny calcified stones not detected otherwise. MRI shows promise in detecting abnormalities in the pelvis, especially in the prostate. NM is used for kidney function studies and to evaluate the significance of urinary outflow tract stenosis.