CT scan

Abstract

Radiological imaging is essential in complementing clinical data and supporting the urologist in order to establish the proper patient management. Among the different imaging modalities, Computed tomography (CT) is currently considered the reference standard for the assessment of urologic diseases due to its wide availability, fast scan-times and comprehensive evaluation. In particular, the term "CT-urography" (CTU) refers to a specific CT protocol aimed at the assessment of the urinary tract that contains an acquisition specifically focused on imaging the collector system (excretory phase). Nevertheless, CTU protocol is not unique and can be adjusted in terms of scan times, radiations dose and intravenous contrast agent amount according to patient's characteristics and clinical suspicion. The other side of this coin is related to the well-known limitations of CT, mainly represented by radiation exposure and nephrotoxicity of contrast medium. However, technical adjustments and recently developed techniques can be extremely helpful in overcoming such limits. Therefore, the main purpose of this chapter is to provide the reader the fundamental principles of CTU in evaluating the urinary system, from technical background to future perspectives.