Lower Urinary Tract Injuries: A Guide for the Emergency Radiologist

Can Assoc Radiol J. 2021 Aug;72(3):557-563. doi: 10.1177/0846537120913875. Epub 2020 May 11.

Abstract

Traumatic lower urinary tract injuries are uncommon and mainly occur in patients with severe trauma and multiple abdominopelvic injuries. In the presence of other substantial injuries, bladder and urethral injuries may be overlooked and cause significant morbidity and mortality. Therefore, it is important that radiologists are familiar with mechanisms and injuries that are high risk for bladder and urethral trauma. We review the imaging findings associated with these injuries and the appropriate modalities and techniques to further evaluate the patient and accurately diagnose these injuries. Computed tomography cystography and conventional retrograde urethrography are effective tools in identifying injuries to the lower urinary tract and play a crucial role in patient care and prognosis.

Keywords: computed tomography; emergency; trauma; urology.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cystography
  • Humans
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Urethra / diagnostic imaging
  • Urethra / injuries*
  • Urinary Bladder / diagnostic imaging
  • Urinary Bladder / injuries*
  • Wounds and Injuries / diagnostic imaging*
  • Wounds and Injuries / etiology
  • Wounds and Injuries / therapy