Imaging of hematuria patients by CT and MRI: An updated review of the literature

Abstract

Background:Hematuria has a wide prevalence rate in the population so it is a common reason for imaging of the urinary tract. Hematuria has many causes from urinary tract infections to malignancy. Imaging has a major role in the investigation of hematuria for determining the underlying cause and influencing management. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is increasingly valuable tools for assessing the urinary tract in adults and children. However, their imaging capabilities, while overlapping in some respects, should be considered as complementary, as each technique offers specific advantages and disadvantages both in actual inherent qualities of the technique and in specific patients and with a specific diagnostic question. Use of CT and MRI should therefore be tailored according to the patient conditions and the clinical question. The present review aim toclarify role of CT and MRI for assessment and diagnosis of causes of hematuria and to study the CT and MRI features of various etiologies causing hematuria.