CT-Urography: Comparison of different methods for increasing the intra-abdominal pressure

Abstract

Objective: Investigating the influence of increasing the intraabdominal pressure by Valsalva maneuvers and/or abdominal compression to reach best visualization of the entire urinary tract in computed tomography urography (CTU). Methods: After split-bolus technique, Valsalva maneuvers, compression or a combination of both were applied in 60 patients before late phase images were acquired. The degree of opacification and distension of three segments of the urinary tract were evaluated. Results: After split-bolus CT no significant difference among the groups regarding distention and opacification. A significant increase in distension and opacification was found during Valsalva and the combination of Valsalva and compression. Conclusions: A CTU protocol including a late phase scan with prior application of compression, Valsalva maneuvers or a combination of both showed beneficial effects for the distension and opacification, a significant difference was found by taking location as a covariate.