What is a CT scan of the urinary tract (CT UT)?

• Computed tomography is an imaging test that uses X-rays and a computer to make detailed images of the body. A CT scan shows details of the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than standard X-rays.
• In a CT scan, an X-ray beam moves in a circle around the body. This allows many different views of the same organ or structure. The X-ray information is sent to a computer that interprets the X-ray data and displays it in a 2-D form on a monitor.
• CT scans may be done with or without "contrast." Contrast refers to a substance taken by mouth or injected into an IV (intravenous) line that causes the particular organ or tissue under study to show up more clearly on the scan.
• CT scans of the urinary tract takes multiple cross sections to create detailed images of the kidneys , ureters , urinary bladder and urethra to diagnose different diseases affect urinary tract as stones , inflammation , tumors and causes of hematuria .

Why do I need a CT scan of the urinary tract?

A CT UT is used to examine your kidneys, ureters and bladder. It lets your doctor see the size and shape of these structures to determine if theyre working properly and to look for any signs of disease that may affect your urinary system.
Including the following symptoms:

• Loin pain ( especially if associated with nusea , vomiting or blood in urine ) ,And also if pain radiate to groin
• Supra pubic pain
• Hematuria
• Defficultymicturation
• Frequency urination
• Urgency urination
• Urinary retention
• Nocturea
• Urinary incontinence

Your doctor may recommend a CT urogram if youre experiencing signs and symptoms — such as pain in your side or back or blood in your urine (hematuria) — that may be related to a urinary tract disorder.
A CT urogram may be used to help diagnose conditions that affect the urinary tract, such as:
• Kidney stones
• Bladder stones
• Infection
• Tumors or cysts
• Cancer
• Structural abnormalities

How to prepare for a CT scan of the urinary tract?

• You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to your exam.
• Metal objects, including jewelry, eyeglasses, dentures and hairpins should be left at home or removed prior to your exam. You may also be asked to remove hearing aids and removable dental work. Women will be asked to remove underwire containing metal.
• Women should always inform their physician and the CT technologist if there is any possibility that they may be pregnant.
• You should inform your doctor of all medications you are taking and if you have any allergies.
• Inform your doctor of any recent illnesses or other medical conditions and whether you have a history of heart disease, asthma, and diabetes or kidney disease.

In case of contrast Examinations:
• You should not to eat or drink anything (fasting) for a few hours (4 to 6 h) before the exam, and do renal function test, inform your doctor or radiology technician if you have any allergies or kidney diseases.