Contrast enhancement in bladder tumors examined with CT urography using traditional scan phases

Abstract

The contrast enhancement is significantly higher in the CMP than in the NP and EP, suggesting that the CMP is preferable when assessing the bladder in the early contrast enhancing phase.

Diagnostic accuracy of computed tomography urography and visual assessment during ureterorenoscopy in upper tract urothelial carcinoma

“…This observation supports the theory that the type of CT protocol applied is indeed critical, as also highlighted by other authors . In our experience, the corticomedullary phase is particularly important, which concurs with results regarding urothelial carcinoma of the bladder published by Helenius et al . Nevertheless, it is possible that the lag time between imaging and URS influenced our results, which might explain part of the difference in accuracy we found between MCTU and non‐MCTU.…”

“…Non-MCTU* (95% CI) P [29]. Nevertheless, it is possible that the lag time between imaging and URS influenced our results, which might explain part of the difference in accuracy we found between MCTU and non-MCTU.…”

Comparison of post contrast CT urography phases in bladder cancer detection

“…3 Diagnosis confidence rating in the corticomedullary phase (CMP), nephrographic phase (NP) and excretory phase (EP). Median values with interquartile range (IQR); 1.5 IQR and outliers are marked enhancement measurements, which is important for bladder tumour detection [8,14]. Not being able to compare the phase evaluated with UE was a limitation of our study.…”

“…The CMP is best for accurate staging of renal cell carcinoma, evaluation of vessel anatomy and tumour extension in the renal vein, planning of surgery, and metastasis evaluation [23][24][25]. Urothelial tumours can present with visible haematuria even when small, and these tumours contrast enhance preferably in early contrast phases [8,14].…”

“…The mAs is higher in the CMP because the staging of tumours (tumour invasion in surrounding tissues, thrombus in renal veins and metastases) is evaluated in this phase and small details are important. Lower mAs in the NP can influence image quality and possibly bladder tumour detection; however, it is probably the higher rate of contrast material enhancement in the CMP than in NP [14], that leads to the higher bladder tumour detection rate in the CMP. The higher contrast enhancement in the CMP was probably beneficial for detection of small bladder tumours, as the smallest tumours measuring 5 mm and located in the ventral aspect of the bladder were only detected in the CMP (Fig.…”