genitourinary disorders
Genitourinary Imaging Tests
Ultrasonography
Ultrasonography can provide useful images of many genitourinary structures without exposing patients to ionizing radiation. Images are interpreted as they are acquired, so the technician can focus on concerning areas and obtain additional information if necessary. Its main disadvantages are the need for a skilled operator and the time required. A full bladder helps provide better images of certain structures but no other preparation is needed. Structures that can be imaged and common indications include the following: Kidneys: For hydronephrosis, Urinary Calculi , and tumors Bladder: For bladder volumes (eg, postvoid volume, assessed immediately after voiding; in suspected urinary retention due to bladder outlet obstruction), diverticula, and stones Scrotum: For hydroceles, spermatoceles, testicular tumors, varicoceles, and (with Doppler blood flow measurement) for Testicular Torsion None Prostate: To measure prostate volume (eg, to help assess Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) or interpret prostate-specific antigen results) and to guide needle biopsy Penis: To help evaluate Peyronie Disease ; with Doppler, to assess blood flow (when evaluating Urethra: To measure length and caliber of Urethral Stricture None 