Evaluation of spiral CT in the diagnosis of ureteral diseases

Objective: To discuss the diagnostic value of spiral CT in ureteral diseases. Methods: Spiral CT urography (SCTU) was performed in 27 cases with ureteral diseases, including 9 cases of ureteral calculus, 5 carcinomas, 9 stenosis, 1 malformation, 1 inflammation and 2 fistula. Of the 27 cases,15 also underwent non-enhanced spiral CT scan and 10 received intravenous urography(IVU). Results: (1) Eight cases of radiolucent ureteral calculus were clearly showed by non-enhanced spiral CT. (2) On SCTU, the location and diameter of 9 ureteral calculus (8 radiolucent, 1 radiopaque) and enlargement of renal pelvis and ureter were displayed. Irregular ureteral wall, local rarefaction or obstruction of contrast medium in ureter were detected in 5 case of tumor. Ureteral lumen was narrowed gradually in 7 cases of simple ureteral stenosis without thickening of the wall. Two cases with ectopic vessel compression were clarified at the boundary of ureter and pelvis. 1 malformation with double renal pelvis and ureter was demonstrated. The location and direction of ureteral fistula were notified. Conclusion: SCTU is superior to IVU and conventional CT in improving diagnostic accuracy of ureteral disease