Renal trauma in adults - a pictorial review

Full text: This review provides a framework for understanding the classification and features of renal trauma. Computed tomography (CT) is now the modality of choice in prompt diagnosis and staging of renal trauma. A retrospective review of the CT scans of all patients with blunt abdominal trauma sustaining renal injury that presented to our hospital within the last 2 years was undertaken. The patient list was obtained from our Trauma Registry database at the Trauma Services Unit. Representative cases of each category of renal injury are displayed on a poster, accompanied by explanatory notes. We also reviewed the literature on renal trauma between 1985-2001 on Medline. The indications for radiological assessment and the management of renal trauma remain controversial. Staging of renal trauma with CT imaging, when integrated with clinical information helps to facilitate appropriate management plan. Renal injuries are classified into four grades on the basis of imaging: - Grade 1: Minor cortical contusion, minor laceration with limited perinephric hematoma, and small cortical infarct. - Grade 2: Major renal lacerations extending to the medulla with or without involvement of the collecting system and segmental renal infarct. - Grade 3: Catastrophic injury which include multiple renal lacerations and injury to the renal vascular pedicle. - Grade 4: Ureteropelvic junction injuries. Diagnostic imaging and staging plays a major role in assessing patients with renal injuries and affects clinical management decisions. Understanding the radiologic classification of traumatic renal injuries and integrating the findings with clinical information assist in developing an optimal management plan. Copyright (2002) Blackwell Science Pty Ltd