Comparison of urinary tract distension and opacification using single-bolus 3-Phase vs split-bolus 2-phase multidetector row CT urography.
OBJECTIVE
To compare urinary tract distension and opacification obtained with single-bolus 3-phase and split-bolus 2-phase multidetector row computed tomographic urography (CTU) techniques.


METHODS
Twenty-six single-bolus 3-phase CTU examinations were retrospectively compared with 26 split-bolus 2-phase examinations. Two readers reviewed excretory-phase imaging to record quantitative measurements of urinary tract distension and qualitative measurements of urinary tract opacification.


RESULTS
Single-bolus 3-phase CTU technique provided better overall urinary tract distension than did split-bolus 2-phase technique (P = 0.05). Single-bolus CTU images demonstrated superior lower pole and interpolar region intrarenal collecting system distension when compared with split-bolus CTU images (P < or = 0.04). Qualitative opacification scores for the lower urinary tract were significantly higher, using single-bolus technique for only 1 of 2 reviewers. No significant differences between techniques in intrarenal collecting system opacification, ureteral distension, or ureteral opacification were identified.


CONCLUSIONS
Improved urinary tract distension is obtained with single-bolus 3-phase CTU technique.
Dillman
Jonathan R
JR
Department of Radiology, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0302, USA.
Caoili
Elaine M
EM
Cohan
Richard H
RH
Ellis
James H
JH
Francis
Isaac R
IR
Nan
Bin
B
Zhang
Yong
Y
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003287:Contrast Media; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007472:Iohexol / Q000031:analogs & derivatives; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D036542:Tomography, Spiral Computed; D014567:Urography / Q000379:methods*; D014570:Urologic Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*
D003287:Contrast Media; D007472:Iohexol; C038192:iopromide