Infectious diseases and injuries of bladder and urinary tract

Urinary tract infections are the most common infectious diseases in Germany. In most cases clarification does not rely on imaging techniques other than sonography and is made mostly based on clinical symptoms. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used in selected cases to find the cause and detection or exclusion of complications, e.g. recurrent or atypical and complicated courses. The method of choice for clarification of urolithiasis is CT. Using low-dose techniques, detection or exclusion of urinary stones can be achieved with a high sensitivity and specificity as well as an acceptable level of radiation exposure. Native stone CT supplies additional fundamental information that can substantially influence further therapy planning. The diagnosis of ureteral injuries is clinically and radiologically not trivial and clarification is aided by urographic contrast media. The method of CT cystography has an important role in the diagnostics of urinary bladder injuries.