Imaging Of The

Urinary Tract
DR.SULTAN ALHAJAHJEH
RADIOLOGY DEPARTMENT
JORDAN UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
Anatomy of the urinary tract

Pelvic calacyeal system

 There are usually seven pairs of minor calyces,
 Minor calyx pairs combine to form two or three major
calyces,which in turn drain via their infundibula to the
pelvis.
 The pelvis may be intrarenal or partially or entirely
extrarenal.
 The hilum of the kidney lies medially, that of the left at
L1 vertebral level and that of the right slightly lower at
L1/L2 level, owing to the bulk of the liver above.
 At the hilum, the pelvis lies posteriorly and the renal vein
anteriorly with the artery in between.
Anatomy of the urinary tract

The ureters
 Each is 25-30 cm long and is described as having a pelvis and
abdominal, pelvic and intravesical parts
 the ureter has a diameter of about 3 mm but is narrower at the
following three sites:
 The junction of the pelvis and ureter.
 The pelvic brim
 The intravesical ureter where it runs through the muscular bladder
wall.
Anatomy of the urinary tract
 1. Right upper-pole
(major) calyx
 2. Right middle (major)
calyx
 3. Right lower-pole
(major) calyx
 4. Left upper-pole
(major) calyx
 5. Left lower-pole
(major) calyx
 6. Minor calyx
(infundibulum of)
 7. Papilla
 8. Infundibulum
 9. Fornix
 10. Bifid left renal pelvis
 11. Right renal pelvis
 12. Right ureter
 13. Left ureter: vascular
impression
 14. Upper pole right
kidney
 15. Right psoas outline
 16. Gas in body of
stomach
 17. Gas in transverse
colon
 18. Intravesical ureter
Anatomy of the urinary tract
Bladder
 This is a pyramidal muscular organ when empty. It has a triangular-shaped base
posteriorly.
 The ureters enter the posterolateral angles and the urethra leaves inferiorly at the
narrow neck, which is surrounded by the (involuntary) internal urethral sphincter.
 It has one superior and two inferolateral walls, which meet at an apex behind the
pubic symphysiss.
 In the female, the body of the uterus rests on its postero¬superior surface and the
cervix and vagina are posterior, with the rectum behind.
 In the male the neck is fused with the prostate.
 The bladder is supplied via the internal iliac artery via superior and inferior vesical
arteries.
Urinary bladder

prostate

rectum
Anatomy of the urinary tract

The urethra
 The male urethra runs from the internal urethral sphincter at the neck
of the bladder to the external urethral orifice at the tip of the penis.
 The posterior urethra comprises the prostatic and membranous
urethra and the anterior part comprises the bulbous and penile
urethra.
 In females This is 4 cm long. It extends from the internal urethral
sphincter at the bladder neck through the urogenital diaphragm to
the external urethral meatus anterior to the vaginal opening.
1.Balloon of catheter in
navicular fossa
2. Penile urethra
3. Bulbous urethra
4. Membranous urethra
5. Impression of
verumontanum in
prostatic urethra
6. Filling of utricle (not
usually seen)
7. Air bubbles in
contrast
Imaging techniques of the urinary
tract
 kub
 Ivu
 Mcug
 Ultrasound
 Ascending urethrogram
 Mri
Pelvicalyceal system

 Duplex collecting system

 Congenital ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction
 Congenital megacalyces
 (PYELO)Calyceal diverticulum
 Renal papillary necrosis (RPN)
 Pyonephrosis
Duplex collecting system

 It is one of the most common congenital renal tract abnormalities 4-

5. It is characterised by incomplete fusion of upper and lower pole

moieties resulting in complete or incomplete duplication of the

collecting system
 duplex collecting system - a duplex kidney draining into:
 single ureter - i.e. duplex kidney's duplication pelvicalcyeal systems
uniting at the pelvi-ureteric junction (PUJ)
 bifid ureter (ureter fissus) - two ureters that unite before emptying into
the bladder
 double ureter (complete duplication) two ureters that drain separately
into the bladder or genital tract
Duplex collecting system

 Orthotopic ureter: drains lower pole and

enters bladder near trigone

 Ectopic ureter: drains upper pole and enters

bladder inferiorly and medially (Weigert-
Meyer rule); the ectopic ureter may be
stenotic and obstructed
 Spot film taken during an IVP shows
bilateral duplex kidneys.
 On the left side the ureters have
fused at the level of L3 vertebra
 On the right side both ureters have
opened into the bladder.
 Fluoroscopy MCU Grade 5 reflux with
double excretory system on the left side.
Fusion of both ureters right before the
bladder (cystoscopy confirmed the
presence of only 2 ostia in the bladder).
Hydronephrosis.
 Drooping lily sign - a urographic
sign of duplicated renal
collecting system. It refers to the
inferolateral displacement of
the opacified lower pole moiety
due to an obstructed (and
relatively unopacified) upper
pole moiety.
 In duplicated collecting system
it is classically the upper pole
ureter that is obstructed due to
a ureterocoele and the lower
pole ureter that refluxes: as
described by the Weigert-Meyer
law.
 left sided duplicated collecting system
with a distorted lower pole moiety from
obstructed upper pole. This results in the
so called drooping lilly sign.
Congenital ureteropelvic junction
(UPJ) obstruction
Most common congenital anomaly of the GU tract in neonates. 20% of
obstructions are bilateral.
• Intrinsic, 80%: defect in circular muscle bundle
of renal pelvis
• Extrinsic, 20%: renal vessels (lower pole artery
or vein)
The estimated incidence in pediatric population is at ~1 per 1000-2000
newborns and there is a recognised predilection towards the left side
(~67% of cases) and a male predominance.
Congenital ureteropelvic junction
(UPJ) obstruction
 asymptomatic or When symptomatic, symptoms include
recurrent urinary tract infections, stone formation and even a palpable
flank mass.

Ultrasound
 will often show a dilated renal pelvis with a collapsed proximal ureter
 with Doppler sonography the obstructed kidneys can show higher RI's
(resistive indices).
CT
 May show evidence of hydronephrosis +/- calyectasis with collapsed
ureters. Useful for assessing crossing vessels at the PUJ especially when
surgical intervention is planned
Congenital ureteropelvic junction
(UPJ) obstruction
 Left sided
hydronephrosis is seen
with dilated and
ballooned out left renal
pelvis.
 Left pelviureteric
junction is markedly
narrowed with probably
delayed contrast
excretion into left ureter.
Congenital ureteropelvic junction
(UPJ) obstruction
 Right PUJ obstruction.
 Dilated renal pelvis and renal
calices with normal ureter.
Congenital megacalyces

 is an incidental finding which mimics hydronephrosis. It is a result of

underdevelopment of the renal medullary pyramids with resultant
enlargement of the calyces. It it more frequently seen in males.
 The enlarged, floppy calyces predispose to stasis, infection and
calculus formation. There is an association with congenital
megaureter.
 due to the lack of normal medullary pyramids, not only are the
calyces enlarged but they lack the normal imprint from the papillae,
thus having a flat appearance.
Congenital megacalyces

 The renal pelvis is of normal size helping to distinguish megacalyces

from hydronephrosis.
 In addition to enlargement of the calyces there is often also
polycalycosis (increased number of calyces); they are crowded
and multifaceted with a mosaic-like appearance.
Congenital megacalyces

 This 10-month old male had a large right

kidney, thought to be due to tumour.
 There are more than the usual number of
calyces
(PYELO)Calyceal diverticulum

 Outpouching of calyx into corticomedullary region.

 May also arise from renal pelvis or an infundibulum.
 Usually asymptomatic, but patients may develop calculi.
• Type I: originates from minor calyx
• Type II: originates from infundibulum
• Type III: originates from renal pelvis
(PYELO)Calyceal diverticulum

Imaging features :-
 Cystic lesion connects through channel with collecting
system.
• If the neck is not obstructed, diverticula opacify retrograde from the
collecting system on delayed IVP films.
• May contain calculi or milk of calcium, 50%
 Calyceal diverticulum
with multiple stones. a,
Abdominal plain film
shows multiple calculi
(arrow) over the upper
pole of the right kidney.
 On ten-minute excretory
urogram (EXU), all stones
are shown to be locate in
an upper pole calyceal
diverticulum (arrow).
(PYELO)Calyceal diverticulum

 On Sonography, a pyelocalyceal
diverticulum appears as a cystic lesion,
which is difficult to distinguish from
simple renal cyst. However, the
presence of mobile, echogenic and
dependent layering due to milk of
calcium is pathognomic of a
pyelocalyceal diverticulum.
Renal papillary necrosis (RPN)

RPN represents an ischemic coagulative necrosis involving variable

amounts of pyramids and medullary papillae. RPN never extends to the
renal cortex.
Causes:
 Ischemic necrosis
• Diabetes mellitus
• Chronic obstruction, calculus
• Sickle cell disease
• Analgesics
 Necrosis due to infections
• TB
• Fungal
Renal papillary necrosis (RPN)

Imaging features :
• Enlargement (early)
• Small collection of contrast medium extends outside the interpapillary
line in partial necrosis.
• Contrast may extend into central portion of papilla in “medullary type”
RPN.
• Eventually contrast curves around papilla from both fornices, resulting in
“lobster-claw” deformity.
 Sequestered, sloughed papillae cause filling defects in collecting
system: “ring sign.”
 • Tissue necrosis leads to blunted or clubbedcalyces.
 Multiple papillae affected in 85%. Rimlike calcificationof necrotic
papilla occurs.
Renal papillary necrosis (RPN)

Classical features may appear as 4:

 ball on tee
 forniceal excavation
 lobster claw
 signet ring
 sloughed papilla with clubbed caly
Renal papillary necrosis (RPN)

 Enlarged view of the left kidney showing central

papillary necrosis (top arrow), and marginal
excavation (bottom arrow), the pre-cursor to the
characteristic lobster claw appearance
Renal papillary necrosis (RPN)

 Coronal image of the left

kidney from a CT Urogram shows
numerous irregular collections of
contrast arising
from the calyces, some streak-like
densities and overall distortion of
the normal medullary-calyceal
anatomy
Renal papillary necrosis (RPN)
 Renal Papillary Necrosis Ring Sign
Pyonephrosis

 Pyonephrosis is a term given to infection of the renal pelvic system

which can then subsequently get filled with pus and is then
complicated by obstruction.
 The diagnosis of pyonephrosis is suspected when the clinical
symptoms of fever and flank pain are combined with the radiologic
evidence of obstruction to the urinary tracts 1.
Pyonephrosis

Ultrasound:

Usually shows dilatation of the pelvi-calyceal system with the following

additional features:-
 echogenic collecting system debris - considered the most reliable
sign
 fluid-fluid levels within the collecting system
 incomplete (dirty) echoes of collecting system gas can be
occasionally seen.
Pyonephrosis

CT
 The presence of clinical signs of infection with hydronephrosis on CT
is considered a more sensitive indicator of pyonephrosis than many
of the CT findings alone .
 thickening of the renal pelvic wall (>2 mm)
 parenchymal or perinephric inflammatory changes, dilatation and
obstruction of the collecting system, higher than usual attenuation
values of the fluid within the renal collecting system, and layering of
contrast material above and anterior to the purulent fluid on
excretory studies.
Pyonephrosis

 There is a calculus noted in right

renal pelvis causing gross
hydronephrosis and parenchymal
thinning.
 Parenchymal thickness is less than
2 mm at places.
 Pelvi-calyceal system shows fluid -
debris levels with few tiny calculi.
No air foci are noted.
 Parenchymal flow is preserved.
 The Ureters

 Ectopic ureter.
 Ureterocele.
 Primary megaureter.
 Obstruction of collecting system.
 Ureteral injury .
 Ureteral tumors.
Ectopic ureter

 Ureter does not insert in the normal location in the trigone of the
bladder.
 Incidence: M:F = 1:6.
 Associations
• 80% have complete ureteral duplication.
• 30% have a ureterocele (“cobra head” appearanceon IVP)
Insertion Sites
• Males: ureter inserts ectopically into the bladder> prostatic urethra >
seminal vesicles, vas deferens, ejaculatory ducts.
• Females: ectopic ureter commonly empties into postsphincteric
urethra, vagina, tubes, perineum
Ectopic ureter

Intravenous urography (IVU)

 It can detect abnormal ureteral insertion and associated anomalies
e.g. renal duplication.
 In complete duplex kidney and ureter, the ectopic ureter usually
drains the upper moiety and associated with ureterocele and
obstruction.
Voiding cystourethrogram
 Usually the ectopic ureter is associated with vesico-ureteric reflux,
which can detected and graded with VCUG.
Ultrasound
 Associations and complications such as duplex
kidneys, hydronephrosis andureterocoele can be also be assessed.
Ectopic ureter

 A child with urinary incontinence

and recurrent urinary tract infection.
Ectopic ureter

 An ectopic ureter is identified and

inserted into the posterior urethra.
Associated grade III vesico-ureteric
reflux is also noted.
Ureterocele

A ureterocele refers to a herniation of the distal ureter into the bladder.

Two types:
Simple (normal location of ureter), 25%
• Almost always occurs in adults
• Usually also symptomatic in children

Ectopic (abnormal location of ureter), 75%

• Almost always associated with duplication
• Unilateral, 80%
• May obstruct entire urinary tract, because of prolapse into the bladder
neck causing bladder outlet obstruction.
Ureterocele

Radiographic Features
• Ureterocele causes filling defect in bladder on IVP.
• Typical appearance of a cystic structure by US
• Ureterocele may be distended, collapsed, or everted to represent a
diverticulum.

Complications:
Ureteroceles may contain calculi.
May be very large (bladder outlet obstruction)
Ureterocele
Megaureter

Congenital megaureter is a 'basket-term' to encompass causes of an

enlarged ureter which are intrinsic to the ureter, rather than as a result
of a more distal abnormality; e.g. bladder, urethra. It encompasses:
 obstructed primary megaureter
 refluxing primary megaureter (although vesico-ureteric reflux (VUR) is
a cause of primary congenital megaureter it is usually considered
separately)
 non-refluxing unobstructed primary megaureter
Obstructive primary megaureter

 Obstructive primary megaureter is related to a distal adynamic

segment with proximal dilatation, and is a common cause of
obstructive uropathy in children It is analogous to oesophageal
achalasia or colonic Hirschsprung disease although lack of ganglion
cells within the wall of the ureter has not been proven to be the
cause .
 the ureter tapers to a short segment of normal caliber or narrowed
distal ureter, usually just above the vesicoureteric junction (VUJ).
 The distal ureter above this narrowed segment is most dilated (similar
to achalasia).
 There is associated hydronephrosis, and active peristaltic waves can
be seen on ultrasound.
Refluxing primary megaureter

 Refluxing primary megaureter is a result of an

abnormal vesico-ureteric junction, which
impedes the normal anti-reflux mechanisms. This
can be due to a short vertical intramural
segment, congenital paraureteric diverticulum,
ureterocoele with or without associated
duplicated collecting system etc..
 vesicoureteric reflux is demonstrated
Non-refluxing unobstructed primary
megaureter
 This is thought to be the most common cause of primary megaureter
in neonates, and even though the vesicoureteric junction is normal,
with no evidence of reflux or obstruction the ureter is enlarged. The
cause for this is unknown.
 there is absent or only a minor degree of hydronephrosis. Although
rare, congenital megaureter may co-exist with congenital
megacalyces 1, making assessment of hydronephrosis more difficult.
Dilation and
elongation of both
ureters, left >> right.
Small left kidney
with pyelonephritic
scarring and
sloughed necrotic
papillae. Single
pyelonephritic scar
on the right.
 Primary megaureter - “A 10 month child came
for the workup of recurrent UTI.
 Primary megaureter is diagnosed in the
absence of reflux, stricture, calculus or
ureterocele.”
Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR)

 Vesicoureteric reflux (VUR) is the term for abnormal flow of urine

from the bladder into the upper urinary tract and is typically a
problem encountered in young children.
 The incidence of UTI is 8% in females and 2% in males
 Reflux from the bladder into the upper urinary tract predisposes to
pyelonephritis by allowing entry of bacteria to the usually sterile
upper tract.
 As such the diagnosis is first suspected after a urinary tract infection
in a young child.
Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR)

 Vesicoureteric reflux is, in the majority of cases, the result of a primary

maturation abnormality of the vesicoureteral junction resulting in a short
distal ureteric submucosal tunne.
MCUG
 The primary diagnostic procedure for evaluation of vesicoureteric reflux
is a voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG).
 presence and grade of VUR
 whether reflux occurs during micturition or during bladder filling
 presence of associated anatomical anomalies
ultrasound
 Routine ultrasound is usually also performed (in addition to VCUG) to
assess the renal parenchyma for evidence of scarring or anatomic
anomalies.
Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR)

• Grade I: reflux to ureter but not to kidney

• Grade II: reflux into ureter, pelvis, and
calyces without dilatations
• Grade III: reflux to calyces with mild
dilatation,blunted fornices
• Grade IV: to calyces with moderate
dilatation,obliteration of fornices
• Grade V: gross dilatation, tortuous ureters.
Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR)

 Voiding cystourethrogram demonstrates

reflux into both kidneys, with dilatation of
the ureters and renal collecting system. The
calyxes are distended and blunted. The
urethra appears normal.
 This case illustrates typical bilateral grade V
vesicoureteric reflux
Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR)

 VCUG demonstrating
bilateral Grade III
vesicoureteral reflux
Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR)

 Pre-void contrast filled bladder

demonstrated bilateral vesico-
ureteral reflux with mildly tortuous
and moderately dilated ureters,
with contrast reaching blunted
dilated calyces. Findings are
keeping with bilateral type 4
vesico-ureteral reflux.
Obstruction of collecting
system
Causes
• Calculi
• Tumor
• Previous surgery (ligation, edema, clot)
Urolithiasis

 refers to the presence of calculi anywhere along the course of

the urinary tracts.
 The lifetime incidence of renal stones is high, seen in as many as 5% of
women and 12% of males.
 By far the most common stone is calcium oxalate, however the exact
distribution of stones depends on the population and associated
metabolic abnormalities
 calcium oxalate +/- calcium phosphate: ~75%
 struvite (triple phosphate): 15%
 pure calcium phosphate: 5-7%
 uric acid: 5-8%
 cystine: 1%
Plain film

Calcium containing stones are radiopaque

 calcium oxalate +/- calcium phosphate
 struvite (triple phosphate) - usually opaque but variable
 pure calcium phosphate
Lucent stones include
 uric acid
 cystine
 Indinavir stones
 pure matrix stones
Ct

On CT almost all stones are opaque, but vary considerably in density.

 calcium oxalate +/- calcium phosphate: 400-600HU
 struvite (triple phosphate): usually opaque but variable
 pure calcium phosphate: 400-600HU
 uric acid: 100-200HU
 cystine: opaque
Two radiolucent stones are worth mentioning 11:
 Indinavir stones - (anti-retroviral drug) radiolucent and usually
undetectable on CT 5
 pure matrix stones
Ct

 In patients with little retroperitoneal fat, distinguishing a ureteric calculus

from a phlebolith can be challenging. Two signs have been found
helpful 12:
 comet-tail sign - favours a phlebolith
 soft-tissue rim sign - favours a ureteric calculus
 comet-tail sign :The sign refers to a tail of soft tissue extending from a
calcification, representing the collapsed/scarred/thrombosed parent
vein. When well seen it is said to have a positive predictive value of
100% 1.
 The soft-tissue rim sign is used to distinguish a ureteric calculus from
a phlebolith. The former appears as a calcific density with a surrounding
rim of soft tissue which represents the oedematous ureteric wall.
Phleboliths on the other hand usually have imperceptible walls
(although up to 8% may have a soft tissue rim sign 2) but may have
a comet-tail sign.
Ct

 Findings of ureteral obstruction include

 ( 1 ) mild dilatation of the pelvicalyceal system and ureter (3 mm)
proximal to the stone,
 ( 2 ) slight decrease in attenuation of the affected kidney caused by
edema.
 ( 3 ) perinephric soft tissue stranding representing edema in the
perinephric and periureteral fat.
 Nonenhanced CT image shows an
obstructing left proximal ureteral
calculus with a slight soft-tissue rim
around the stone (ie, rim sign)
 40 Male patient complaining
of right renal colic with
hematuria
 An oval shaped radiodense
stone is seen at the junction
between upper 2/3 and lower
1/3 of the right ureter measuring
about 0.5 x 1 cm along its
maximum diameters and eliciting
density of about (690 HU)
associated with marked
dilatation of the right pelvi-
calyceal system and proximal
part of the right ureter.
IVP (30-minute delay image) of the right kidney shows a moderately hydronephrotic collecting system to the
level of a proximal ureteral stone (arrow). Source: emedicine.
 13 minutes after infusion of contrast
medium there is contrast of the right
pyelon and in the bladder, but yet no
contrast of the left pyelon. There is
also contrast outlining the left kidney,
whereas it has already cleared from
the right (delayed nephrogram).
 Two hours after infusion you can appreciate a
distension of the left ureter and a
hydronephrosis of the left pyelon.
 This examination demonstrates the typical IVP
features of collecting system dilatation and a
delayed nephrogram secondary to a distal
obstructing calculus. In this case, the calculus is
well seen radiographically.
 30 year old male right flank
pain; ultrasound shows proximal
hydroureter and mild
hydronephrosis
 Scout- apparently normal with
no evidence of calculus
 10 min film- right sided proximal
hydroureter and mild dilatation of
pelvicalyceal system
 15 min film- findings are persistent and
a filling defect is noted at the L3-L4
level
Ultrasound

 Ultrasound is frequently the first investigation of the renal tract, and

although by no means as sensitive as CT, it is often able to identify
calculi. Small stones and those close to the corticomedullary
junction can be difficult to reliably identify. Ultrasound compared to
CT-KUB reference showed a sensitivity of only 24% in identifying
calculi. Nearly three-quarters of calculi not visualised were 3mm or
less in size.13. Features include 7:
 echogenic foci
 acoustic shadowing
 twinkle artefact on color Doppler
 color comet-tail artefact 9
 80 year old female Non
specific flank pain.
Limited history due
patient's confusion

Right hydronephrosis
 Left ureteric jet present (i.e.
left ureter non obstructed)

 No ureteric jet on the right

(suspicious, although not in
itself diagnostic for ureteric
obstruction)
 Shadowing calculus at the
right VUJ

 Comet tail artefact supports

the presence of a calculus
Ureteral tumors

Types
Benign tumors
• Epithelial: inverted papilloma, polyp, adenoma
• Mesodermal: fibroma, hemangioma, myoma, lymphangioma
• Fibroepithelial polyp: mobile long intraluminal mass, ureteral
intussusception
Malignant tumors
• Epithelial: transitional cell carcinoma, SCC,
adenocarcinoma
• Mesodermal: sarcoma, angiosarcoma,
carcinosarcoma
Ureteral tumors

 Due to the small caliber of the ureter, tumours are more likely to
obstruct the kidney at small tumour size.
 Obstruction may lead to hyrdonephrosis with or without hydroureter
and may also result in a non-functioning kidney or delayed
nephrogram.
• Bergman's coiled catheter sign: on retrograde pyelogram the
catheter is typically coiled in dilated portion of ureter just distal to the
lesion
Ureteral tumors

 Smaller or polypoid tumours may be seen as filling

defects, and if they cause partial long-standing
obstruction may result in focal dilatation of the
ureter at the site of the tumour. This may lead to
the so-called goblet sign, best seen on
retrograde ureterography 2.

Occasionally circumferential thickening of the
ureteric wall results from diffuse infiltration an may
have an apple core appearance 4.

Ureteral tumors

Prognosis
• 50% of patients will develop bladder cancer.
• 75% of tumors are unilateral.
• 5% of patients with bladder cancer will develop ureteral cancer.
Sites of metastatic spread of primary ureteral neoplasm:
• Retroperitoneal lymph nodes, 75%
• Liver, 60%
• Lung, 60%
• Bone, 40%
• Gastrointestinal tract, 20%
• Peritoneum, 20%
• Other (<15%): adrenal glands, ovary, uterus
Ureteral tumors

 CT demonstrates a very large

right sided ureteric mass with
trapped contrast, which almost
mimics a vascular aneurysm, and
proximal long
standing hydronephrosis.
Ureteric injury

 Ureteric injury is a relatively uncommon but serious event, which may

result in serious complications as diagnosis is often delayed.
 Ureteric injuries unreliably demonstrate macro- or micro-scopic
haematuria as it may be absent in up to 25% of patients.
There is a wide-range of injury:
 injury to the mucosa of the ureter post lithotripsy
 perforation and false passage
 partial or complete ureteric transection
 complete ureteric avulsion
 loss of ureteric segment
 ligation
 dissection
Ureteric injury

 Iatrogenic(most commonly injured after gynaecological procedures)

 Traumatic

Classification
Ureteric injury can be classified into three types according to its site:
 upper-third
 upper-third and pelvico-ureteric junction (PUJ) most affected by blunt
trauma 5, 7
 mid-third
 distal-third
 most common site
 often following iatrogenic injury
Ureteric injury

Fluoroscopy
 Excretory intravenous urography if CT is not available: demonstrates
contrast leakage and spillage outside the course of the urinary
system.
 Retrograde pyelography may be performed if both
excretory intravenous urographyand CT with intravenous
contrast are inconclusive and there is still a high suspicion of injury 1.
Ureteric injury

CT
 CT with intravenous contrast and delayed scan with full reformatted
sagittal and coronal images and 3D reconstruction. The delayed
scan should be performed between 5-8 minutes after IV contrast to
ensure a CT-IVU (a.k.a. excretory phase) set of images is acquired.
 intra-abdominal fluid collections without other cause shown
 contrast extravasation from renal hilum/PUJ (usually medially)
without associated renal injury
Ureteric injury

 Post emergency caesarean section

intraperitoneal tube drainage high
output.
 Contrast leakage and spillage is seen in
the left side of pelvis in the region of lower
third left ureter denoting a left ureteric
injury
Bladder

 Bladder exstrophy.
 Bladder diverticulum.
 Bacterial cystitis.
 Emphysematous cystitis.
 Neurogenic bladder.
 Bladder calculi.
 Malignant bladder neoplasm.
 Bladder injuries.
Bladder exstrophy

 Bladder exstrophy (also known as ectopia vesicae) refers to a herniation of the urinary
bladder through an anterior abdominal wall defect. The severity of these defects is widely
variable.
 The estimated incidence of bladder exstrophy is 1:10,000-50,000 live births .
 It is thought to be caused by a developmental defect of the cloacal membrane which results in a
subsequent eversion of the bladder mucosa. This then protrudes out like the mass like lesion.
General associations
 extension of the bladder defect into the urethra
 cryptorchidism
 bilateral inguinal herniation
 OEIS complex
 epispadia
 vaginal duplication
 clitoral cleft
Bladder exstrophy

 Imaging findings include a soft-tissue mass extending from a large

infra-umbilical anterior wall defect which may be close to the
umbilical arterial exits.
 The absence of a normal urinary bladder and a low-lying umbilical
cord insertion may also indicate the diagnosis.

 Failure of the pubic bones to meet in the midline (widened pubic

symphysis). This appearance on AP plain radiograph of the pelvis
has been likened to a manta ray swimming towards you (manta ray
sign).
Bladder exstrophy

 Marked widening of the pubic

symphysis (manta ray
appearance) consistent with
bladder exstrophy for which the
patient had a known history.
 In terms of a cause for hip pain,
there is no fracture identified but
there is mild left hip
degenerative disease, and mild
bilateral greater tuberosity
irregularity suggesting chronic
gluteal tendinosis.
Bladder exstrophy
Bladder diverticulum

 Bladder diverticulum are outpouchings from the bladder wall,

whereby mucosa herniates through the bladder wall.
 They may be solitary or multiple in nature and can very considerably
in size.
 Diverticulae may be congenital or acquired. A range of causes of
urinary bladder diverticula are described.

 Acquired diverticula are more common, usually occurring the

context of a trabeculated bladder, resulting from chronic bladder
outlet obstruction.
Bladder diverticulum

 Diverticula are often an incidental finding on imaging investigations,

including ultrasound, CT, MRI and IVU.
They may be associated with a range of complications including:
 infection
 reflux
 stone formation
 malignancy
Bladder diverticulum

 IVU images shows a diverticulum

at the right lateral wall.
 Note the elevated base of the
bladder due to the enlarged
prostate.
Bladder diverticulum

 Congenital diverticulae are

solitary and are most often
discovered during childhood.
 Acquired bladder diverticulae
are the result obstruction of the
bladder outlet or bladder
dysfunction. They are often
multiple and typically seen in
older men.
Bacterial cystitis

Acute Cystitis
Pathogens: E. coli > Staphylococcus > Streptococcus
> Pseudomonas
Predisposing Factors
• Instrumentation, trauma
• Bladder outlet obstruction, neurogenic bladder
• Calculus
• Cystitis
• Tumor
Imaging Features
• Mucosal thickening (cobblestone appearance)
• Reduced bladder capacity
• Stranding of perivesical fat
Emphysematous cystitis

 Emphysematous cystitis refers to gas forming infection of the

bladder wall.
Risk factors include:
 female sex: reported M:F ratio 1:2
 immunocompromised state
 diabetes mellitus: may be present in ~50% of cases 2
 neurogenic bladder
 transplant recipients
 The most common causative organism is E. coli, with other
organisms including Enterobacter aerogenes, Klebsiella
pneumonia, Proteus mirabilis, Staphylococcus aureus,
Emphysematous cystitis

CT
 CT is a highly sensitive examination that allows early detection of
intraluminal or intramural gas.
 CT is also useful in evaluating other causes of intraluminal gas such
as enteric fistula formation from adjacent bowel carcinoma or
inflammatory disease.
Ultrasound
 Can demonstrate echogenic air within the bladder wall with dirty
shadowing artefact.
 Ultrasound will also commonly demonstrate diffuse bladder wall
thickening and increased echogenicity.
Emphysematous cystitis
Neurogenic bladder

 Term applied to a dysfunctional urinary bladder that results from an

injury to the central or peripheral nerves that control and regulate
urination.
 Injury to the brain, brainstem, spinal cord or peripheral nerves from
various causes including infection, trauma, malignancy or vascular
insult can result in a dysfunctional bladder 3.
Neurogenic bladder

 In a large cohort study, the mean age of neurogenic bladder

patients was 62.5 years and resultant etiologies included 4:
 multiple sclerosis: ~17%
 Parkinson disease: ~15%
 cauda equina syndrome: ~9%
 paralytic syndrome: ~8%
 stroke complications: ~6%
Neurogenic bladder

 A number of classification schemes exist for neurogenic bladders,

including the Lapides classification which remains popular.
 sensory neurogenic bladder: posterior columns of the spinal cord or
afferent tracts leading from the bladder
 motor paralytic bladder: damage to motor neurons of the bladder
 uninhibited neurogenic bladder: incomplete spinal cord lesions
above S2 or cerebral cortex or cerebropontine axis lesions
 reflex neurogenic bladder: complete spinal cord lesions above S2 -
may lead to pine cone bladder
 autonomous neurogenic bladder: conus or cauda equina lesions
Neurogenic bladder

uoroscopic/IVP
Sensory neurogenic bladder
Inability to sense bladder fullness results in a large rounded and smooth bladder. Voiding is often
preserved.
Motor paralytic bladder
Atonic large bladder with inability of detrusor contraction during voiding.
Unhibited neurogenic bladder
Rounded bladder with a trabeculated apperance to the mucosa above the trigone from detrusor
contractions. On voiding large interureteric ridge is noted
Reflex neurogenic bladder
Results from detrusor hyperreflexia with a dyssynergic sphincter. This leads to contrast extension to the
posterior urethra and an elongated pointed urthera with pseudodverticula.
Autonomous neurogenic bladder
Intermediate between detrusor hyperreflexia (contracted) and dysreflexia (atonic).
Neurogenic bladder

Ultrasound
 Detailed images of the bladder often demonstrate a thick wall with
a small contracted or large atonic bladder.
 A large post void residual is often noted.
Neurogenic bladder

 VCUR examination
demonstrate elongated
distended urinary bladder with
multiple urinary bladder
diverticulae characteristic of
neurogenic bladder.
 Grade III VUR on the left side is
also demonstrated.
Neurogenic bladder
 Neurogenic bladder, typically occurs in
those with sacral abnormalities at birth.
 The appearances has been described as
a Christmas tree of pine cone bladder.
 The shape of the bladder is highly
abnormality with an elongated
appearance, with the dome like the top of
a Christmas tree.
 The associated bladder wall hypertrophy
gives an outline, which mimics the
decorations that adorn a Christmas tree.
Neurogenic bladder

 A pine cone bladder or christmas tree bladder is a

cystogram appearance in which the bladder is
elongated and pointed with thickened trabeculated
wall.
 It is typically seen in severe neurogenic bladder with
increased sphincter tone (detrusor sphincter
dyssynergia) due to suprasacral lesions (above S2-S4) or
epiconal lesions (in and around S2-S4).

 It is however not pathognomonic of a neurogenic

bladder and can be seen in patients with lesions
anywhere along the sacral reflex arc leading to poor
detrusor compliance. Occasionally it is also seen in
bladder neck obstruction of a non-neurogenic cause.
Bladder calculi

 Bladder calculi occur either from migrated renal calculi or urinary

stasis.
Bladder calculi can be divided into primary and secondary stones:

 primary: stones form de novo in the bladder

 secondary: stones are either from renal calculi which have migrated
down into the bladder, or from concretions on foreign material (e.g.
urinary catheters)
Bladder calculi

associated with :-
 bladder outlet obstruction
 cystocoele
 neurogenic bladder
 foreign body.
Radiographic features
 Plain Film
 Usually densely radio-opaque, calculi may be single or multiple and often large.
Frequently lamination is observed internally, like the skin of an onion.
 Ultrasound
 Sonographically they are mobile, echogenic, and shadow distally.
 They may be associated with bladder wall thickening due to inflammation.
Bladder calculi
Malignant bladder neoplasm
Clinical Finding
• Painless hematuria.
Types and Underlying Causes
Transitional cell carcinoma, 90%
• Aniline dyes
• Phenacetin
• Pelvic radiation
• Tobacco
• Interstitial nephritis
SCC, 5%
• Calculi
• Chronic infection, leukoplakia
• Schistosomiasis
Adenocarcinoma, 2%
• Bladder exstrophy
• Urachal remnant
• Cystitis glandularis. 10% pass mucu s
Malignant bladder neoplasm

Ct :
 bladder transitional cell carcinomas appear as either focal regions of thickening
of the bladder wall, or as masses protruding into the bladder lumen, or in
advanced cases, extending into adjacent tissues.
 The masses are of soft tissue attenuation and may be encrusted with small
calcifications.
MRI

 MRI is superior to other modalities in locally staging the tumour and is in some
instances able to distinguish T1 from T2 tumours on T2 weighted image.

 T1: isointense compared to muscle 4

 T2: slightly hyperintense compared to muscle
 T1 C+ (Gd): shows enhancement
 Polypoidal, enhancing filling
defect arising from the left
bladder wall is typical of
transitional cell cancer. No
obstruction to the left ureteric
orifice nor invasion through the
bladder wall.
Malignant bladder neoplasm

 Mural broad-based lesion

lining the left aspect of
Bladder. The lesion shows
internal flow on Doppler.
Malignant bladder neoplasm
 Polypoidal irregular
mural thickening of
the left lateral and
posterior wall of
the urinary bladder
which coalesce to
form large
fungating mass
arising from left
lateral wall are
seen and extends
through the wall to
invade the
perivesical fat
Bladder injuries

Extraperitoneal bladder rupture

 Extraperitoneal rupture is the most common type of bladder injury,
accounting for ~85% (range 80-90%) of cases.
 It is usually the result of pelvic fractures or penetrating trauma.
 Cystography reveals a variable path of extravasated contrast
material.
Intraperitoneal bladder rupture
 Occurs in approximately ~15% (range 10-20%) of major bladder
injuries, and typically is the result of a direct blow to the already
distended bladder.
 Cystography demonstrates intraperitoneal contrast material around
bowel loops, between mesenteric folds and in the paracolic gutters.
Bladder injuries

Classification of Bladder Injury

• Type 1: Bladder contusion
• Type 2: Intraperitoneal rupture
• Type 3: Interstitial bladder injury
• Type 4: Extraperitoneal rupture
• Type 4a: Simple extraperitoneal rupture
• Type 4b: Complex extraperitoneal rupture
• Type 5: Combined bladder injury
Bladder injuries

CT
 Bladder rupture is one form of genitourinary tract trauma, along with
renal trauma and urethral injuries.
 Contrast enhanced CT is the imaging technique of choice for
bladder injuries in the form of CT cystography.
 This may be combined with standard CT to evauluate the upper
tracts.
 Standard cystography has a more limited role
Bladder injuries

Bladder catheter balloon in the intraperitoneal space

Bladder injuries

Postvoid film shows a flame-

shaped density adjacent to lateral
walls of bladder representing
extra-peritoneal contrast from a
bladder rupture.
The Urethra

 Posterior urethral valves (PUVs).

 Urethral injuries.
 Urethral strictures.
Posterior urethral valves (PUVs)

 Posterior urethral valves (PUV's) are the most common congenital

obstructive lesion of the urethra and a common cause of
obstructive uropathy in infancy.
 Posterior urethral valves are congenital and only seen in male
infants 2. The estimated incidence is at ~1 in 10,000-25,000 live births
with a higher rate of incidence in utero.
 Clinical presentation depends on the severity of obstruction. In
severe obstruction the diagnosis is usually made antenatally.
 The fetus will be small for gestational age and ultrasound
examination will demonstrate oligohydramnios
Posterior urethral valves (PUVs)

Associations
 Posterior urethral valves are also seen in association with other
congenital abnormalities including :

 chromosomal abnormalities, e.g. Down syndrome 5

 bowel atresia
 craniospinal defects
Posterior urethral valves (PUVs)

Ultrasound
Antenatal ultrasound:
 On antenatal ultrasound the appearance is that of marked distention
and hypertrophy of the bladder, with or without hydronephrosis and
hydroureter, and depending on the severity, oligohydramnios and renal
dysplasia.
Postnatal ultrasound
 The bladder is typically thick-walled and trabeculated with an
elongated and dilated posterior urethra (keyhole sign).
 The kidneys in most cases are hydronephrotic, although it is important to
note that in up to 10% of cases they appear normal 5. They may also be
hyperechoic with loss of the normal corticomedullary differentiation, a
manifestation of renal dysplasia 5.
Posterior urethral valves (PUVs)
Voiding cystourethrogram
 Voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) is the best imaging technique for the
diagnosis of posterior urethral valves.
 The diagnosis is best made during the micturition phase in a lateral or
oblique views, such that the posterior urethra can be imaged
adequately .
Findings include :
 dilatation and elongation of the posterior urethra (equivalent of the
ultrasonographic keyhole sign)
 linear radiolucent band corresponding to the valve (only occasionally
seen)
 vesicoureteral reflux (VUR): seen in 50% of patients .
 bladder trabeculation/diverticula
Posterior urethral valves (PUVs)

 Keyhole sign Rotated image of an

antenatal ultrasound of the foetal
pelvis demonstrating the keyhole
sign, created by the distend
bladder and posterior urethra.
 The keyhole sign is an
ultrasonograhic sign seen in boys
with posterior urethral valves. It
refers to the appearance of
posterior urethra which is dilated,
and associated thick walled
distended bladder which on
ultrasound may resemble a key
hole.
Posterior urethral valves (PUVs)

 Micturating
cystourethrogram reveals
marked dilatation of the
prostatic portion of the
urethra consistent with
posterior urethral valves.
Posterior urethral valves (PUVs)

Ultrasound reveals marked bilateral hydronephrosis

and hydroureter. There is dependent echogenic
debris seen throughout the renal collecting system
consistent with infection
Urethral injuries

 Urethral injuries can result in long-term morbidity and most

commonly result from trauma.
 The male urethra is much more commonly injured than the female
urethra..
 Clinically :blood of the external urethral meatus or vaginal introitus
may be seen but is an unreliable sign.
 Male urethral injuries are divided into anterior (penile/bulbar) and
posterior (membranous/prostatic) urethral injuries.
Urethral injuries

Classification:
 blunt trauma: due to shearing or straddle injuries associated with
pelvic fractures (occurs in ~10%) often associated with bladder
injury.
 penetrating trauma: e.g. stab wounds, gunshot wounds, dog bites
(more commonly affect the anterior urethra)
 iatrogenic, for example urethral instrumentation, e.g.
catheterisation, Foley catheter removal without balloon deflation,
cystoscopy,post-surgical (e.g. surgery for benign prostatic
hyperplasia)
Urethral injuries

Fluoroscopy

 Retrograde urethrography is the modality of choice.

 It will demonstrate extraluminal contrast, which has extravasated from
the urethra.

CT

 CT cystography can be performed but this is much less specific for

urethral vs. bladder injury.
 Other features of urethral injury include retropubic and perivesical
haematoma and obscuration of the urogenital fat plane.
Urethral injuries

 Retrograde urethrogram in
a patient with pelvic
fractures demonstrates
contained contrast leakage
at the posterior urethra
(membranous portion).
 Contrast does ascend into
the bladder and therefore
the urethral injury is
incomplete.
Urethral injuries

 there is a small amount of

extravasated contrast (from
prior urethrogram) within the
retro-pubic space (cave of
Retzius), inferior
extraperitoneal pelvic cavity
and tracking into the
perineum/perineal muscles
and adductor musculature of
the left thigh
Urethral stricture

 Clinical presentation
poor urine stream
Aetiology
 Infection(gonococcal urethritis (more common)),
 trauma
 straddle injury (most common)
 pelvic fractures
 iatrogenic
 instrumentation
 prolonged catheterisation
 transurethral resection of the prostate
 open radical prostatectomy
 urethra reconstruction (hypospadia/epispadia)
 congenital
 uncommon
Urethral stricture

 Past history of
chlamyida infection.
 20mm stricture in the
bulbous urethra.

Urethral stricture

 Short segment (5mm) stricture at

the junction of the penile and
bulbous urethra.
 Filling defect related to
lubricant jelly used.
Thank You