The role of imaging in the investigation of painless hematuria in adults

Semin Ultrasound CT MR. 2009 Aug;30(4):258-70. doi: 10.1053/j.sult.2009.03.006.

Abstract

The radiologic investigation of asymptomatic hematuria has changed significantly due to the introduction of new imaging modalities and innovative techniques, such as computed tomography urogaphy, which allows a comprehensive evaluation of the entire urinary tract in a single study. There is still a role for "older" imaging modalities, such as intravenous urography and ultrasound, and their use is still advocated in younger patients with a lower risk of malignancy to minimize radiation dose. Combined modality imaging can also be useful for characterization of lesions. Guidelines have recently been published for the radiologic investigation of hematuria; these are discussed in this article.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cystoscopy / methods*
  • Hematuria / complications*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods*
  • Ultrasonography
  • Urinary Tract / diagnostic imaging
  • Urinary Tract / pathology
  • Urography / methods*
  • Urologic Diseases / complications*
  • Urologic Diseases / diagnosis