EVALUATION AND PREVALENCE OF RENAL SYSTEM PATHOLOGIES ON COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY KIDNEY, URETER AND BLADDER (CT KUB) AT HAYATABAD MEDICAL COMPLEX PESHAWAR

Abstract

Background: Hydronephrosis, hydroureter, and urolithiasis are among the most frequently encountered renal pathologies presenting with overlapping symptoms but requiring distinct management approaches. Conventional imaging methods such as ultrasonography and intravenous pyelography, although useful, often fail to precisely distinguish between obstructive and non-obstructive causes of hydronephrosis. Computed Tomography of the Kidneys, Ureters, and Bladder (CT KUB) offers superior sensitivity, specificity, and anatomical detail, making it the preferred diagnostic tool for evaluating urinary tract calculi and obstruction with enhanced clinical accuracy.

Objective: To assess renal system pathologies using CT KUB and determine its diagnostic value in differentiating obstructive from non-obstructive hydronephrosis and related urinary tract abnormalities.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at the Radiology Department of Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, analyzing CT KUB reports obtained between July 2022 and July 2023. Data were retrieved from 5,180 patient records and included demographic characteristics (age, gender) and radiological findings related to hydronephrosis, hydroureter, and urinary calculi. Imaging was performed using a 128-slice GE CT scanner, and findings were reviewed through the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.0, applying descriptive and inferential statistics with significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: Out of 5,180 patients, 8.63% of males and 6.24% of females had obstructive hydronephrosis, while 25.08% of males and 16.37% of females exhibited non-obstructive hydronephrosis. Hydroureter was observed in 27.03% of males and 18.68% of females, confirming a clear male predominance. Renal calculi were identified in 60.64% of all cases, most commonly located within the kidneys, followed by the pelvic ureteric junction and proximal ureter. CT KUB effectively detected and classified urinary tract stones and obstructions with high precision.

Conclusion: CT KUB proved to be a highly reliable and accurate imaging modality for evaluating renal system pathologies. It effectively differentiated obstructive from non-obstructive hydronephrosis and precisely identified the presence and location of urolithiasis. The observed male predominance underscores the need for preventive strategies and timely imaging evaluation to reduce disease burden and complications.