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 nonenhanced 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 rarefication 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.