Renal imaging

The renal tract is investigated in the assessment of abnormal renal function, hypertension, renal colic or haematuria. Increasing use of ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT) has limited the role of plain radiographs, but these are still used in the initial assessment of abdominal colic to evaluate potential renal or bowel abnormalities. Intravenous urography – radiological examination of the urinary tract performed after the intravenous injection of iodinated contrast – is the classical means of assessing the kidneys and ureters.