Computerized tomographic staging of renal trauma: 85 consecutive cases

In 85 patients with renal trauma we compared the findings on computerized tomography with those of excretory urography, renal surgery, intra-abdominal surgery and angiography. Patients underwent computerized tomography because of a suspected associated thoracic or abdominal injury, or indeterminate findings on excretory urography, nephrotomography or angiography. Blunt trauma accounted for 87.1 per cent of the renal injuries and penetrating trauma for 12.9 per cent. The most common findings on computerized tomography were perirenal hematoma in 29.4 per cent, intrarenal hematoma in 24.7 per cent and parenchymal disruption in 17.6 per cent. In 33 patients who underwent laparotomy computerized tomographic staging was confirmed. In contrast, the most common finding on excretory urography, diminished opacification (17 of 53 patients), was found to have no correlation with the severity of renal injury as assessed by computerized tomography or laparotomy. Angiography appreciably understaged 1 of 5 cases by failing to show extracapsular extravasation with parenchymal disruption. All findings on angiography were depicted by computerized tomography. We conclude that computerized tomographic staging for renal trauma is more sensitive and specific than excretory urography, nephrotomography and angiography, and that it should be used primarily when multiple traumatic injuries are suspected, when excretory urography suggests major trauma or is nonspecific and when clinical evidence of major trauma exists, regardless of what excretory urography shows.     

Blunt urinary tract trauma: identifying those patients who require radiological diagnostic studies

We evaluated prospectively 506 consecutive patients who presented with a history of blunt trauma and hematuria. All patients initially underwent excretory urography and cystography. Of the 506 patients 25 had detectable urinary tract injuries that were confirmed either by the initial studies or by computerized tomography, angiography or direct intraoperative inspection. Diagnoses included 7 renal contusions, 7 renal lacerations (1 major and 6 minor), 1 renal artery, 3 intraperitoneal and 5 extraperitoneal bladder ruptures, and 2 urethral injuries. Of the 25 patients 21 presented with gross hematuria, including all of those with lower tract injuries. One of the 4 patients who presented with microhematuria was hospitalized in shock. Of the remaining 3 patients with microhematuria and no shock 1 had a minor renal laceration and 2 had renal contusions. All 3 patients were managed conservatively and all 3 were hospitalized chiefly for associated nonurological injuries. If the patients who presented with microhematuria and no shock were excluded from initial radiographic evaluation, 1 minor renal laceration and 2 renal contusions would have been missed. If we had added 1 more exclusion criterion, that of absence of major associated injuries, we would not have missed an injury.     

Operative indications in penetrating renal trauma

In a review of 53 patients with penetrating renal injuries treated between 1978 and 1983 at San Francisco General Hospital, we correlated several factors with the extent of renal damage to determine whether major and minor injuries could be differentiated preoperatively, thereby avoiding unnecessary surgical exploration. Of 56 injured kidneys (three patients had bilateral injuries), 35 sustained major injuries, 17 minor, and four vascular pedicle injuries. The presence of shock, the degree of hematuria, the location of the entry site, and the type of injury did not permit reliable discrimination among these categories. Intravenous urography was most often nondiagnostic, and only the presence of extravasation or nonfunction was specific for major injury. Computed tomography provided accurate preoperative assessment in 11 cases, however, allowing nonoperative management in eight renal injuries.     

Renal trauma: re-evaluation of the indications for radiographic assessment

We studied prospectively 359 consecutive patients with blunt (306) or penetrating (53) renal trauma to refine the indications for radiographic evaluation. Various factors, including the degree of hematuria, presence of shock and associated injuries easily assessable at the time of initial evaluation, were correlated with the severity of renal injury to determine whether any combination of parameters will separate patients with renal contusions from those with significant renal injuries (minor and major lacerations, and vascular injuries). We identified 3 groups: group 1-85 patients with gross hematuria or microscopic hematuria and shock after blunt trauma (including all 23 with significant renal injuries), group 2-221 patients with microscopic hematuria but no shock after blunt trauma (all with renal contusions) and group 3-53 patients with penetrating trauma. No combination of parameters was able to predict a severe injury in group 3. Our data support radiographic evaluation in groups 1 and 3. However, because all patients in group 2 had renal contusions and experienced no complications from nonoperative management we believe that excretory urography, which is time-consuming and costly, can be avoided in patients with microscopic hematuria but no shock after blunt renal trauma.     

Injuries of the urogenital system

Ultrasonography is accepted as a valuable screening method for the detection of renal trauma, although it does not make any functional contribution. Computerized tomography has replaced excretory urography for the evaluation of blunt renal trauma, because it makes more precise diagnosis possible. Arteriography is mandatory when injuries of the renal branch are suspected. The management of renal trauma should restore normal circulation and renal function and should preserve as much functioning renal tissue as possible. For renal contusion and minor cortical lacerations, even when there is a small extravasation of urine, conservative management is sufficient, while major cortical lacerations and injuries of the renal vessels require prompt operative methods. The classification of urethral ruptures is based on rectal palpation of the prostate, distribution and size of hematomas and urethrography. A primary catheter for diagnostic purposes is strictly contraindicated. Urinary diversion proximal to the urethral lesion is the primary therapeutic procedure, while the definite management of the ruptured urethra can be postponed. Injuries to the organs of the urogenital system are rarely life threatening, and in the case of multiple trauma their management can be adapted to fit in with the treatment of injuries to other vital organs. Nevertheless, diagnosis and adequate treatment of injured urogenital organs must not be neglected as long-lasting or permanent damage could result.     

99mtechnetium-dimercapto-succinic acid renal scanning and excretory urography in diagnosis of renal scars in children

We compared the ability of excretory urography (without tomography) and 99mtechnetium-dimercapto-succinic acid renal scanning to detect renal scars in 32 children with primary vesicoureteral reflux. These children did not have hydronephrosis, renal failure or urinary tract obstruction. In all cases both studies were conducted within a 10-month period. The findings from both modalities were in agreement for 51 of the 64 renal units evaluated (80 per cent). Evaluation of the excretory urogram indicated 6 cases of diffuse and 2 of focal scarring that were not detected by evaluation of the renal scan. The sensitivity of excretory urography to detect renal scars was 84 per cent and the specificity was 83 per cent. The 99mtechnetium-dimercapto-succinic acid renal scan showed 5 cases of focal renal scarring not detected by excretory urography. The sensitivity of the renal scan to detect renal scars was 77 per cent and the specificity was 75 per cent. We conclude that neither study alone could effectively replace the other for the detection of renal scars, and recommend that both be included in the initial evaluation and followup of patients with renal scars.     

Comparison of computerized tomography and excretory urography in detection and evaluation of renal masses

The ability of excretory urography and computerized tomography to detect renal masses was compared in 120 consecutive cases. Computerized tomography consistently provided more information than excretory urography, usually was able to distinguish renal tumors from cysts and provided additional useful information regarding staging of renal neoplasms and the presence of unsuspected associated pathological conditions.     

Transabdominal ultrasound versus excretory urography in preoperative evaluation of patients with prostatism

Transabdominal ultrasound is superior to excretory urography when radiographic imaging of the urinary tract is indicated in patients with prostatism. We studied 53 patients with excretory urography and ultrasonography before prostatectomy. Patients with a history of microscopic or macroscopic hematuria, urolithiasis, renal failure or upper urinary tract anomalies were excluded from our study. Ultrasonography proved to be more accurate in defining prostatic size and configuration. Bladder wall thickness also was quantified more clearly with ultrasonography. We found 17 renal masses incidentally with excretory urography, although ultrasound was essential and superior to excretory urography in defining these masses in each case. We recommend that ultrasonography be used in lieu of excretory urography when imaging of the urinary tract is indicated before prostatectomy.     

Gunshot wounds of the kidneys]

Upon the analysis of the treatment for gunshot wounds of the kidneys (n = 113), it is concluded that in the majority of cases such wounds (91.1%) were associated with additional injuries of other viscera, this complicating the diagnosis and treatment, aggravating the prognosis. At admission, 81.4% of the wounded were in shock, with signs of hemorrhage. Serious condition of the patients dictated urgent surgery imposing limitations on diagnostic examinations, e.g. intravenous urography was performed in 5.3% of the cases only. Therefore, preoperative detection of renal injuries was far from universal. (55.6%). Hematuria prompted renal damage in 74% of cases. 92% of the wounded underwent surgery, in 62.8% of them it was nephrectomy. Serious combined wounds terminated in lethal outcomes in 50.4% of cases, though renal damage was responsible for 4% of deaths only. Introduction of up-to-date methods of examination (CT, ultrasonography, excretory urography) may raise the frequency of the kidney-preserving operations and favourable outcomes.     

Acute radiorenography during attacks of renal colic

Acute radiorenography was compared to emergency excretory urography to evaluate its diagnostic accuracy in 22 patients with clinical signs of renal colic, including erythrocytes in the urinalysis. All 16 patients with delayed excretion and/or dilated renal pelves on excretory urography had delayed excretion of radioactivity on renography. Furthermore, 6 patients with reduced renal function judged by renography had marked or slight delay in excretion on excretory urography. Small stones not causing stasis were found on excretory urography in 2 patients with normal renograms. It is concluded that acute radiorenography is simple, rapid and safe, and identifies accurately patients with abnormal renal function during attacks of colic, with less risks than excretory urography of causing renal damage or aggravating the pain of renal colic.     

Comparison of IVP and CT findings in patients with suspected severe renal injury

Excretory urography (IVP) is the primary diagnostic tool for renal injury but has been indeterminate in diagnosing severe renal injuries in most cases. Computed tomography (CT) provides precise anatomic detail of renal injuries. The IVP and CT findings were compared in 22 patients with suspected severe renal injuries suggested by clinical examination and initial screening IVP. CT provided determinate diagnoses in all the cases of severe renal injury, while the IVP diagnoses were indeterminate in 82 per cent of these cases. Although clarification is needed on the accuracy of CT in diagnosing renal vascular injury, the CT diagnoses were accurate in all other types of severe renal injury (as well as minor renal injuries).     

Dynamic renal scan in the non-visualizing kidney.

Thirty-one patients with 35 non-visualizing kidneys on excretory urography were studied with 99mtechnetium-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid scintiscanning. In 11 cases good renal blood flow and concentration were demonstrated on nucleide scanning. All patients had significant parenchyma and recoverable renal function after appropriate surgical management. In 20 cases there was little or no blood flow on the scan. These patients either had a congenitally absent kidney or severely destroyed parenchyma. The 99mtechnetium-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid dynamic renal scan is a sensitive method for predicting renal salvageability of a kidney that fails to visualize on excretory urography.     

Management of renal arterial injuries secondary to penetrating abdominal trauma.

Renal vascular injuries are found relatively frequently after non-penetrating abdominal trauma. Penetrating renal arterial lesions occur much less frequently, involving less than 5 per cent of all penetrating arterial injuries. The association of bowel and other organ injuries makes diagnosis and treatment somewhat complex. Four cases of penetrating renal arterial injuries were seen from January 1972 to June 1976. All patients had multiple bowel lacerations. All arrived in the emergency room in hypovolemic shock. Two patients were resuscitated and successfully treated. Three patients had complete transections and 1 had major branch transection. Two patients had an associated parenchymal lesion. One patient had a through-and-through ureteropelvic injury. Preoperative arteriography was not done because of vascular instability. Renal arterial injuries were suspected by loss of psoas shadow on abdominal x-rays and by retroperitoneal hematomas. Retroperitoneal hematomas were explored to eliminate the possibility of renal injury. Both of the patients operated upon attained good renal function after surgical repairs. Postoperative renal scans and arteriograms showed initially decreased function, which returned toward normal. Repair of renal arterial lesions is possible with good functional result. Preoperative arteriography, renographic scan or excretory urography is not justified routinely because of the seriousness of commonly associated injuries.     

The value of retrograde pyelography for fractionally visualized upper tracts on excretory urography in the evaluation of hematuria

A 5-year retrospective study of 131 hematuria patients (23 with gross and 108 with microscopic hematuria) undergoing retrograde pyelography solely for fractional visualization of the upper tracts on excretory urography revealed no tumors or other significant pathological condition in the 187 renal units (56 bilateral cases) studied. A review of our cases of upper tract urothelial cancer since 1955 revealed 36 patients with complete records of the urological evaluations. None of the cases was diagnosed by retrograde pyelography for fractionally visualized excretory urography and 3 were within 9 months of a previously normal excretory urogram alone or with retrograde pyelography. We believe that retrograde pyelography done solely to evaluate a fractionally visualized upper tract may miss subtle lesions and it should not terminate the evaluation. We recommend that excretory urography, cystoscopy and voided urine cytology studies be performed initially and, if normal, they should be repeated in 6 and 12 months before upper tract urothelial tumors are ruled out.     

Enhanced detection of asymptomatic renal masses with routine tomography during excretory urography

In a prospective study of a diagnositc scheme for evaluating renal masses, it was observed that a significant number of masses (29 per cent) would have been undetected without the aid of routine tomography. The renal masses detected with the aid of tomography are either small or peripheral lesions which cause no impingement upon the renal collecting system. Without specific symptoms referable to a renal mass and without hematuria, many renal masses will be overlooked on standard excretory urography. The general improvement in diagnostic quality, the ease with which this procedure may be added to excretory urography, and the minimal expense involved would be additional factors which should justify the use of routine tomography with excretory urography in any radiology department.     

Abdominal radiograph and renal ultrasound versus excretory urography in the evaluation of asymptomatic patients after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy

A prospective study was done to compare the relative efficacy of an abdominal radiograph and renal ultrasound to excretory urography for the evaluation of asymptomatic patients 1 month after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. We evaluated 101 renal units in 84 asymptomatic patients who had undergone extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy 1 month previously with abdominal radiography, excretory urography and ultrasonography to evaluate the presence of retained stone fragments, dilatation of the collecting system and intrarenal or perirenal fluid collections or masses. The combination of abdominal radiography and ultrasonography identified retained fragments in 62 renal units, while excretory urography identified them in 54. Ultrasonography was less specific in identifying dilatation of part or all of the collecting system; proving falsely positive in 7 renal units and falsely negative in 14 compared to excretory urography. However, the case of obstruction was diagnosed correctly by both modalities. Finally, ultrasound appeared to be more specific and more sensitive in the evaluation of the presence of intrarenal or perirenal abnormalities. We conclude that a combination of abdominal radiography and ultrasonography is as good or better than excretory urography in identifying residual stone fragments and intrarenal or perirenal abnormalities. However, the finding of dilatation of all or part of the collecting system by ultrasonography is nonspecific and probably is better evaluated by excretory urography. We suggest that the routine radiological evaluation of asymptomatic patients 1 month after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy could be limited routinely to abdominal radiography and ultrasonography. However, when abnormalities of the collecting system are visualized on these studies excretory urography should be performed.     

Real-time renal sonography in spinal cord injury patients: prospective comparison with excretory urography

A prospective blinded comparison of real-time renal sonography and excretory urography was done in 202 urologically asymptomatic patients with spinal cord injury who underwent periodic evaluation. Sonography identified 31 of 31 renal masses (100 per cent) (30 cysts and 1 xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis), whereas excretory urography identified 14 of 31 masses (45 per cent). Of the 398 kidneys evaluated hydronephrosis owing to an obstructive etiology was noted in 7, all of which (100 per cent) were identified on excretory urography and 6 (86 per cent) were identified on sonography. Only 12 of the 48 kidneys (25 per cent) with typical changes of chronic pyelonephritis on excretory urography were diagnosed correctly by ultrasound. Sonography identified 18 of 23 kidneys (78 per cent) with calculi compared to 20 of 23 (87 per cent) by excretory urography. Although 127 abnormalities were noted in 202 patients, only 21 dictated a change in management. Thirteen abnormalities were visible on a plain film of the kidneys, ureters and bladder (3 kidneys with stones, 1 ureteral stone and 9 bladders with stones). We conclude that sonography and excretory urography are excellent diagnostic modalities for the evaluation of the kidneys. Sonography, plain radiograph of the abdomen and post-contrast injection x-rays on excretory urography frequently offer complementary diagnostic information. The noninvasive nature of ultrasound examination and lack of x-ray exposure combined with no need for special patient preparation make ultrasound examination extremely attractive in this patient population. It is recommended that real-time renal ultrasound and a plain radiograph of the abdomen be used on an alternate basis with excretory urography for the routine followup of spinal cord injury patients.     

Identification of ureteroileal obstruction by retrograde loopography

Retrograde loopography in 106 patients (212 renal units) with ileal conduit urinary diversion was assessed to define the accuracy of this study in identifying ureteroileal obstruction. In 171 renal units (81 per cent), the radiographic findings demonstrated by retrograde loopography correlated appropriately with the findings on excretory urography. However, in 41 renal units (19 per cent) with absent ileoureteral reflux, there was no evidence of ureteroileal obstruction by excretory urography. This potential disparity between excretory urography and retrograde loopography has limited our use of the latter study for selected patients in whom the excretory urogram demonstrates (1) evidence of progressive upper tract deterioration, (2) anastomotic obstruction, or (3) patients with chronic renal failure or iodide sensitivity in whom the intravenous administration of contrast material may be contraindicated.     

Single shot intraoperative excretory urography for the immediate evaluation of renal trauma

PURPOSE: We reviewed the quality and usefulness of single shot intraoperative excretory urography (IVP) for evaluating suspected upper urinary tract trauma at our trauma center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1990 and 1997 single shot intraoperative IVP for staging renal injuries was performed in 50 patients in whom clinical instability and/or major associated injuries mandated an intraoperative study. Contrast material (2 ml/kg) was injected intravenously and images were obtained after 10 minutes. The quality and usefulness of each study were scored by a single attending urologist on a scale of 1-worst to 5-best. RESULTS: Intraoperative study quality was generally good (average score 3.84). The information obtained was generally considered useful for determining urological treatment (average score 3.96). In 16 patients (32%) intraoperative IVP findings safely obviated renal exploration. No contrast medium reactions were noted and no complications developed that were attributable to intraoperative IVP. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative single shot, high dose IVP is safe, efficient and of high quality in the majority of cases when performed as recommended. This study often provides important information that facilitates rapid and accurate decision-making. Intraoperative IVP is a useful tool for guiding the exploration of penetrating renal injuries and confirming blunt renal injuries that may be safely observed.     

Metastatic malignant melanoma mimicking renal cell carcinoma

Large renal parenchymal masses are a rare manifestation of metastatic malignant melanoma. We report the second and third such cases to be noted on excretory urography.