CT SCAN OF KUB

A CT (Computed Tomography) Scan of the KUB is a highly effective, non-invasive diagnostic imaging test that provides your doctor with an incredibly detailed look inside your urinary system. Its primary purpose is to create clear, cross-sectional images of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder (KUB). At Cadabams Diagnostics, we utilize advanced CT technology to give your physician the precise information needed for an accurate diagnosis. This scan is often considered the gold standard for detecting and evaluating certain conditions, most notably kidney stones, due to its remarkable speed and precision.

What is a CT Scan of KUB?

Think of a CT scan as a sophisticated, three-dimensional X-ray. The technology uses a series of rotating X-ray beams combined with advanced computer processing to generate detailed images, or "slices," of your body. These slices can be viewed individually or digitally stacked together to create a 3D model of your urinary tract.

This method provides a far more detailed view of your kidneys, ureters, bladder, and surrounding tissues than a standard X-ray. It allows radiologists to see the size, shape, and structure of your organs, as well as identify abnormalities like stones, blockages, or masses with exceptional clarity. The speed and accuracy of the CT Scan of KUB make it an invaluable tool in both emergency situations and for routine diagnostic evaluations.

Types of CT Scan of KUB

There are two main types of CT scans for the urinary tract, and your doctor will order the one best suited to your specific symptoms.

Non-Contrast CT KUB

This is the most common type of KUB scan and is the gold standard for identifying kidney stones. It is performed without the use of any intravenous (IV) contrast dye. It is exceptionally effective at showing the precise size, location, and density of stones (calculi) anywhere within the kidneys, ureters, or bladder.

CT Urogram (CTU)

A CT Urogram is a scan performed with an intravenous contrast dye. The CT urogram procedure involves injecting an iodine-based dye into a vein in your arm. This dye travels through your bloodstream and is filtered by your kidneys, highlighting the entire urinary tract. This allows the radiologist to evaluate not just the structure, but also the function of your urinary system. It is used to identify the cause of blood in the urine, look for blockages, tumors, infections, or other structural abnormalities.

During the analysis of your scan, the radiologist meticulously evaluates several key parameters to form a complete diagnostic picture. This is what a KUB CT scan shows:

• Stones (Calculi): The scan can detect the presence, number, and exact location of stones, whether they are in the kidney, ureter, or bladder. It also measures their size and density (in Hounsfield Units), which helps predict if they can be broken up with non-invasive treatments.
• Obstruction: The radiologist looks for signs of a blockage in the urinary tract. The most common sign is a swollen and fluid-filled kidney (hydronephrosis) or a dilated ureter, which indicates that urine is backing up.
• Masses/Tumors: The scan can clearly identify abnormal growths, such as solid tumors or fluid-filled cysts, in the kidneys or bladder. It can often help differentiate between benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) masses.
• Anatomy: The scan provides a detailed evaluation of the size, shape, and position of the kidneys and other organs in the urinary system. It can also identify congenital anomalies (birth defects) of the tract.
• Inflammation/Infection: In cases of severe infection, the CT can reveal signs like abscesses (pockets of pus) or significant tissue swelling surrounding the kidney (pyelonephritis).

Your healthcare provider has many reasons to order this powerful diagnostic test:

• To investigate the cause of acute flank pain, the most common reason for an urgent CT scan of the urinary tract.
• To definitively diagnose or rule out kidney, ureteral, or bladder stones.
• To determine the underlying cause of blood in the urine (hematuria).
• To assess for injury or damage to the kidneys, ureters, or bladder after physical trauma.
• To gather detailed anatomical information before a surgical procedure.
• To monitor the urinary tract after treatment to ensure its success.

When and Who Needs to Take a CT Scan of KUB?

Your doctor may recommend a CT Scan of the KUB if you are experiencing symptoms that point to a problem within your urinary system. Common indications include:

• Sudden, severe pain in your side, flank, or lower abdomen.
• Blood in your urine (a condition known as hematuria).
• Suspected blockage or obstruction in the urinary tract.
• Symptoms of a severe kidney infection that is not responding to treatment.

This test is most frequently used as the primary diagnostic tool when kidney stones are suspected. A CT scan for kidney stones is the most accurate method to confirm their presence, pinpoint their exact location and size, and help determine the most effective treatment plan.

Benefits of Taking the Test

The CT Scan of KUB offers significant advantages for both patients and physicians:

• High Accuracy: It has unmatched precision in detecting kidney stones, even very small ones that might be missed by other imaging methods like ultrasound or a plain X-ray.
• Speed: The scanning process is extremely fast, often taking less than a minute. This provides rapid results, which is crucial for diagnosing painful conditions in an emergency setting.
• Comprehensive View: It provides a detailed, unobstructed view of the entire urinary tract and surrounding abdominal structures, offering a complete picture of your health.
• Treatment Planning: By providing the exact size, location, and density of a stone, the scan gives doctors the critical information needed to decide on the best course of treatment, whether it's medical management, lithotripsy, or surgery.

Illnesses Diagnosed with CT scan of KUB

This scan is instrumental in diagnosing a wide range of conditions affecting the urinary system, including:

• Kidney Stones (Nephrolithiasis)
• Ureteral Stones and Bladder Stones
• Hydronephrosis (kidney swelling due to urine backup)
• Kidney or Bladder Cancer/Tumors
• Urinary Tract Obstruction from various causes (e.g., stones, strictures, tumors)
• Abscesses or severe kidney infections (Pyelonephritis)
• Congenital anomalies of the urinary tract
• Injury or trauma to the urinary organs

Preparation is straightforward and depends on the type of scan you are having.

• Non-Contrast Scan: This scan usually requires no special preparation. You can typically eat and drink normally before the test. You may be asked to change into a hospital gown to ensure no metal objects (like zippers or buttons) interfere with the images.
• CT Urogram (with contrast): For a scan with contrast dye, you may be asked to fast from food and drink for about 2-4 hours before your appointment. It is very important to stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water in the days leading up to the test unless instructed otherwise.

Pre-requisites

• A referral from your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider is required to undergo a CT scan.
• If you are scheduled for a scan with contrast, your doctor may order a simple blood test to check your creatinine level. This test assesses your kidney function to ensure it can safely process and clear the contrast dye.
• Please bring a list of all your current medications with you to your appointment.

Best Time to Take the CT Scan of KUB

A CT Scan of KUB can be performed at any time. It is often performed on an urgent or emergency basis for patients presenting with acute symptoms. For non-urgent cases, the scan can be scheduled at a time that is convenient for you at any Cadabams Diagnostics facility.

Eligibility

Most individuals can safely undergo a CT KUB scan. However, our team takes special precautions for certain patients. Be sure to inform our staff if you:

• Are or might be pregnant.
• Have a known allergy to iodine or contrast dye.
• Have impaired kidney function or a history of kidney disease.
• Are diabetic and taking Metformin (Glucophage).
• Have a history of severe allergic reactions.

Procedure for Taking a CT Scan of KUB

Our team at Cadabams Diagnostics is committed to making your experience as comfortable as possible. Here is what you can expect during the procedure:

1. Preparation: You will be asked to lie down comfortably on your back on a motorized table. The technologist will ensure you are positioned correctly.
2. IV Line (for CT Urogram): If you are having a CT Urogram procedure, a small IV line will be placed in a vein in your arm or hand for the injection of the contrast dye.
3. Scanning: The table will slide smoothly into the center of the large, donut-shaped CT scanner. The machine is open at both ends, so you will not be fully enclosed.
4. Communication: The technologist will be in an adjacent control room where they can see and speak to you through an intercom system at all times.
5. Instructions: To ensure the clearest possible images, you must remain very still. The technologist will instruct you to hold your breath for a few seconds at a time while the X-ray tube rotates around you and captures the images. You will not feel anything during the scan itself.
6. Contrast Injection: If contrast is used, it will be injected through the IV line. It is common to feel a warm sensation spreading through your body and a metallic taste in your mouth for a minute or two. This is normal and passes quickly.
7. Completion: The entire scanning process is very quick, typically lasting only 5-10 minutes.

Caution Before Taking the Test

For your safety, it is absolutely essential that you inform the scheduling staff and the CT technologist if you:

• Are or have any possibility of being pregnant.
• Have any known allergies, especially to iodine, contrast dye, or shellfish.
• Have a history of kidney disease, kidney failure, or diabetes.
• Are currently taking the diabetes medication Metformin. You may be asked to stop taking it for a short period before and after a contrast scan.