CT urography and hematuria: a retrospective analysis of 771 patients undergoing CT urography over a 1-year period

Background: Computed tomography (CT) urography is now used in the work-up of patients with hematuria. The dose of contrast medium and radiation varies considerably between the different CT protocols. Purpose: To study the disease prevalence in a consecutive group of patients with hematuria undergoing CT urography with a low dose of contrast medium and radiation. Material and Methods: From 1 April 2007 to 31 March 2008, using the Radiological Information System (RIS) as well as electronic patient records, demographic data, reason for referral, and diagnosis were obtained for all patients undergoing CT urography due to hematuria. The patients were followed for 3 years. Results: A total of 771 patients had hematuria diagnosed at the time of referral. In 137 patients (18%), a tumor and / or a complex cyst was found in the urinary tract (renal, ureteral, or bladder), in 68 (9%) a calculi, in 118 (15%) other disease (i.e. infection or anomaly) was found. No abnormalities were found at CT urography in 455 (58%) of the patients with hematuria. Lesions were found more frequently in patients with visible hematuria than in patients with non-visible hematuria (48% vs. 29%). No malignant tumor or complex cyst was found in the kidneys or the ureters in patients with nonvisible hematuria. Conclusion: CT urography with its low dose of contrast medium and radiation is a useful diagnostic imaging test for investigating patients with hematuria.