Urology>>>>>Imaging and Principles of Uro-Radiology
Question 2#

During a CT for abdominal trauma which of the following statements is INCORRECT?

A. The arterial phase is captured 25 seconds after intravenous contrast injection
B. 150 mL of Omnipaque may be used as the contrast agent, injected at 3 mL/second
C. The venous phase is captured at 10 to 15 minutes after intravenous contrast injection
D. Images are obtained in 1 mm or 2.5 mm slices
E. Delayed phase (excretory phase) is required to grade renal trauma

Correct Answer is C

Comment:

Answer C

An emergency CT needs to be discussed with a radiologist, with a responsible doctor involved in the transfer of the patient if stable enough to undergo imaging. Prior to the emergency CT, the patient needs a urinary catheter and an intravenous cannula in place. 150 mL of intravenous iodinated contrast such as Omnipaque should be injected at 3 mL/ second. Patients are scanned in a cranio-caudal direction. The arterial phase is captured at 25 seconds and the venous phase at 60 seconds. EAU recommends a delayed abdominal and pelvic scan at 10–15 minutes to visualise the collecting systems in all patients with suspected renal trauma, with or without a cystogram. Images are generally obtained in 2.5-mm slices.

References and Further Reading:

Standards of practice and guidance for trauma radiology in severely injured patients, Second Edition. London, UK: The Royal College of Radiologists, 2015.