Are radiologic studies necessary for UTIs?
Dr. Green: Radiology studies are unnecessary for evaluation of most patients with UTIs; however, in certain cases they may be useful to determine if further intervention is necessary and to find the cause of the complicated infection. Examples of such cases are: UTI associated with possible urinary traction obstruction; persistent UTI (pyelonephritis) unresponsive to medication after one week, patients with papillary necrosis, diabetes, on dialysis, T.B., proteus or fungal infection; or persistent-recurrent UTIs. Patients with persistent pyelonephritis often have perinephritic or renal abscesses. Q: What are some of the useful radiology tests and how are they different? Dr. Green: These tests are as follows: 1. The IVP (Excretory Urogram) has been a routine examination to evaluate patients with complicated infections but is not required in uncomplicated infections. 2. The renal ultrasound or sonogram is noninvasive, easy to perform, and offers no radiation or contrast risk to the patie
