Outcome of intravenous urography in the year 2000

Abstract

Background: We studied the referrals for intravenous urography and their outcome during the year 2000 in a university department before the switch to unenhanced computed tomography (CT) and CT urography.

Methods: From the Radiology Information System, we obtained information about age, sex, referring physician, indication, and diagnosis.

Results: A total of 1229 intravenous urographies was performed in 1164 patients. In patients younger than 40 years, females were examined more frequently than males, and vice versa. Forty-five percent of all patients were referred with renal colic, and 41% were referred with hematuria. Renal colic was a more frequent indication than hematuria in patients younger than 61 years, whereas the opposite was the case in patients older than 60 years. Of the 559 urographies performed due to renal colic, a calculus in the upper urinary tract was found in 27% and a change indicating a tumor in 4%; the incidence of calculus increased with age up to 80 years. Of the 487 urographies performed due to hematuria, a calculus in the upper urinary tract was found in 6% and a change indicating a tumor in 15%. In the 277 patients younger than 40 years, an abnormality was diagnosed in 25% and a potential tumor was diagnosed in only 1.4%. The latter could not be confirmed at other examinations. Of the 887 patients older than 40 years, an abnormality was found in 45% and a potential tumor in 11%.

Conclusion: A switch from urography to unenhanced CT and CT urography should not be done without an audit of the referrals and their outcomes. Patients with hematuria and younger than 40 years seem more appropriate for ultrasound than for CT because the incidence of tumors and calculus disease is low. No transitional cellular cancer was found in these patients.