Comparison of IVP and CT findings in patients with suspected severe renal injury.

Excretory urography (IVP) is the primary diagnostic tool for renal injury but has been indeterminate in diagnosing severe renal injuries in most cases. Computed tomography (CT) provides precise anatomic detail of renal injuries. The IVP and CT findings were compared in 22 patients with suspected severe renal injuries suggested by clinical examination and initial screening IVP. CT provided determinate diagnoses in all the cases of severe renal injury, while the IVP diagnoses were indeterminate in 82 per cent of these cases. Although clarification is needed on the accuracy of CT in diagnosing renal vascular injury, the CT diagnoses were accurate in all other types of severe renal injury (as well as minor renal injuries).