Radiography Abdomen As most women with recurrent symptomatic UTI have normal urinary tracts, they do not routinely require imaging with radiography of the abdomen. Radiography Intravenous Urography Historically, intravenous urography (IVU) was the imaging study of choice to evaluate the urinary tract, but it is no longer used at most institutions [13]. IVU is not used for evaluation of uncomplicated UTI. US Kidneys and Bladder Retroperitoneal As most women with recurrent symptomatic UTI have normal urinary tracts, they do not routinely require imaging with US of the kidneys, bladder, and retroperitoneum. Recurrent Lower Urinary Tract Infections in Females Variant 2: Recurrent lower urinary tract infections in a female. Complicated, or patients who are nonresponders to conventional therapy, develop frequent reinfections or relapses, or have known underlying risk factors. Complicated causes of UTI can be evaluated by history and physical examination. In women suspected of having a recurrent complicated UTI, cystoscopy and imaging should be considered [24]. CT Abdomen and Pelvis Historically, unenhanced CT has been used predominantly for the emergency patient with renal colic and/or hematuria. It has also been used to define the severity and extent of upper tract calculi, which are occasionally associated with recurrent complicated UTIs. The lack of additional contrast-enhanced CT imaging and the lack of dedicated imaging of the collecting systems, kidneys, and bladder limits further evaluation of underlying anatomical or pathophysiologic processes. Contrast-enhanced CT has been used effectively to evaluate a range of urinary tract abnormalities, including renal masses, genitourinary trauma, and specific aspects of renal infection, including the presence of pyelonephritis, renal abscesses, and obstruction.
Recurrent Lower Urinary Tract Infections in Females. Radiography Abdomen As most women with recurrent symptomatic UTI have normal urinary tracts, they do not routinely require imaging with radiography of the abdomen. Radiography Intravenous Urography Historically, intravenous urography (IVU) was the imaging study of choice to evaluate the urinary tract, but it is no longer used at most institutions [13]. IVU is not used for evaluation of uncomplicated UTI. US Kidneys and Bladder Retroperitoneal As most women with recurrent symptomatic UTI have normal urinary tracts, they do not routinely require imaging with US of the kidneys, bladder, and retroperitoneum. Recurrent Lower Urinary Tract Infections in Females Variant 2: Recurrent lower urinary tract infections in a female. Complicated, or patients who are nonresponders to conventional therapy, develop frequent reinfections or relapses, or have known underlying risk factors. Complicated causes of UTI can be evaluated by history and physical examination. In women suspected of having a recurrent complicated UTI, cystoscopy and imaging should be considered [24]. CT Abdomen and Pelvis Historically, unenhanced CT has been used predominantly for the emergency patient with renal colic and/or hematuria. It has also been used to define the severity and extent of upper tract calculi, which are occasionally associated with recurrent complicated UTIs. The lack of additional contrast-enhanced CT imaging and the lack of dedicated imaging of the collecting systems, kidneys, and bladder limits further evaluation of underlying anatomical or pathophysiologic processes. Contrast-enhanced CT has been used effectively to evaluate a range of urinary tract abnormalities, including renal masses, genitourinary trauma, and specific aspects of renal infection, including the presence of pyelonephritis, renal abscesses, and obstruction.