Diagnostic tests for evaluating kidney trauma
Which is the diagnostics tests of choice for evaluating kidney trauma?
The primary role of imaging in renal trauma:
• Accurately assess the severity and extent of injury
• Evaluate the injured kidney for underlying disorders
• Evaluate the anatomy and function of the opposite kidney
• Assess for other associated injuries
Contrast-enhanced CT scan is the imaging technique of choice to evaluate the entire urinary tract, including the kidney vasculature, parenchyma, and collecting system.
When a kidney laceration is detected on CT, a 10-minute delayed scan (excretory phase) should be obtained to assess the collecting system and evaluate for urinary extravasation. Delayed images are also helpful for characterizing the nature of a perinephric fluid collection and for distinguishing a hematoma from a urinoma.
In patients with blunt trauma and suspected ureteropelvic junction injury, CT with excretory phase imaging is a reliable tool for evaluation.
