Contents
Computed tomography (CT) is a modern method for diagnosing the whole body. Scanning the kidneys and urinary tract with a tomograph allows you to detect pathologies and hidden diseases. The study provides a detailed diagnosis of the kidneys, adrenal glands, partly ureters and other tissues that surround vital organs.
Computed tomography of the kidneys and urinary tract is performed only on prescription and under x-ray controllaboratory technician and a radiologist. The resulting images taken by the tomograph make it possible to analyze the state of organs in different planes, since the scanner produces layer-by-layer 3D images, which visualize many infectious, inflammatory and other pathological processes.
Symptoms of kidney and urinary tract diseases
The kidneys and urinary tract are essential to the human body. Healthy kidneys are necessary for the normal functioning of all systems, they perform excretory, metabolic and osmoregulatory functions.
Due to endogenous and exogenous factors affecting the body, kidney disease can develop, adrenal and urinary tract. To exclude a number of diseases, it is necessary to diagnose the disease in a timely manner. It is possible to effectively examine internal organs and systems using CT.
Factors that can lead to chronic diseases: poor nutrition, severe hypothermia, decreased immune system, bladder injuries, chemotherapy, hormonal disruptions, chronic fatigue, insomnia, stress and depression, congenital or acquired anomalies (pathologies) of the kidneys and urineexcretory tracts.
Symptoms which can indicate a violation of the kidneys and urinary tract: high body temperature (not less than 39 degrees), persisting within 2-3 days, chills, high blood pressure, nausea and vomiting, increased sweating, lower back and abdominal pain, pain when urinating, loss of appetite and body weight, cutting pain in the lower abdomen, scanty, painful discharge or even urinary retention, the appearance of mucus or blood in the urine, burning and itching in the urethra.
If one or more symptoms appear, you should seek medical help and undergo a series of studies, including, including can be recommended computed tomography of the urinary tract and kidneys.
Indications for CT
CT is a diagnostic that is carried out using X-rays on the body. Most often, the examination is performed in order to confirm or clarify the diagnosis.
Scanning with a tomograph provides an opportunity to identify and study various pathological processes, consequences and complications of trauma.
If the patient has characteristic symptoms that indicate the etymology of pathological processes in the genitourinary system, the patient should be immediately referred for CT.
Diagnosis is prescribed for: hydronephrosis (persistent progressive expansion of the renal calyces and pelvis, which occurs due to a violation of the outflow of urine), polycystosis (primary and secondary), the formation of sand and kidney stones, metastasis (the formation of metastases due to the spread of “byinjured “cells from primary foci to healthy tissues), acute renal colic, inflammatory and infectious processes.
A CT scan is needed if the patient has enlarged lymph nodes in the retroperitoneal space or in the pelvic area, before surgery and after surgery (in order to assess the therapy performed). Computed tomography is recommended in case of suspicion for availability neoplasms, including malignant and benign tumors. When the doctor receives the results of a detailed examination, he can finally refute or confirm the previously established diagnosis.
Study contraindications
An examination using a tomograph is carried out in two main ways: the first is the classical method, the second is with the addition of a contrast agent. With a satisfactory state of human health, a CT scan with iodine-containing contrast can be performed. The use of contrast during the procedure is necessary so that the visualization and detailing of the images is more accurate and informative.
Contraindications for CT with a contrast agent relate:
- allergic reaction to iodine;
- diabetes severe;
- kidney, heart and liver failure severe.
Computed tomography of the urinary tract and kidneys is undesirable to appoint: pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy; young mothers during lactation (when using a contrast agent in diagnostics); children under 14 years old.
Pregnant women and children are examined only if it is really necessary and the risk is justified.
Limited in use computed tomography for people with a fear of closed spaces (claustrophobia). If the patient weighs more than 200 kilograms, it will not be possible to conduct an examination, since the scanner will not withstand excessive load and will not be able to show reliable results.
CT is completely safe procedure and does not cause discomfort. Adverse reactions after the procedure were not identified. A person can become ill (in rare cases) only if a CT scan is done with contrast. The duration of side effects may be accompanied by no more than 30-60 minutes. It is advisable for the patient to drink plenty of pure water, to quickly remove the contrast agent from the body.
The expediency of computed tomography of the urinary tract and kidneys is determined by the attending physician after studying the medical history and obtaining the results of the tests passed. The patient comes to the doctor’s office with the results of blood and urine tests, a transcript of ultrasound diagnostics.
How to prepare for CT
For the procedure to be successful, you need to prepare for it. First of all, it concerns meals. The last meal should be 4-6 hours before the start of the diagnosis.
2-3 days before the diagnosis, fatty, fried, salty, peppery foods should be excluded from the diet. Avoid baked goods and sodas, dairy and sour-milk products, i.e. limit the intake of food that promotes increased intestinal gas formation.
Before the procedure, it is necessary to remove all metal accessories, it is advisable to wear loose clothing that is easy to remove and put on.
In order not to risk, you should conduct an allergic test for iodine intolerance. With a positive result (negative reaction was not detected), computed tomography can be performed.
CT sequence
The duration of CT without contrast takes 5-10 minutes, with the addition of a coloring agent – from 20 minutes to half an hour. First of all, the patient is asked to lie down on a special platform that extends, and then rolls into a tunnel with a scanner. When using contrast, after the first scan, the patient is rolled out, intoa special substance is administered through a catheter (if the doctor prescribed it), and scan again after A couple of minutes. If a person is very afraid, he can be given a special pear, which, if something goes wrong (panic attack, pain), the patient will squeeze his hand and the procedure will be stopped immediately.
The examined area is fixed with special equipment and pictures are taken that immediately appear on the computer monitor.
During the diagnosis, you need to listen X-ray technicianwho conducts the procedure: he will say when you need not to move. Being still is essential for 3D images to be clear and not blurry.
After research radiologist analyzes scanned pictures and decodes them. The decryption process takes 15 to 30 minutes. With the expert opinion received, the patient goes to the doctor, who sent him for a computed tomography of the urinary tract and kidneys.
Based on the information received and the conclusion of the radiologisttreating The doctor will make a diagnosis and prescribe an effective course of treatment. It can be medical or surgical therapy, depending on the identified disease and its specifics.