Imaging evaluation of renal trauma

The kidney is the most commonly injured genitourinary organ. The diagnosis and treatment depend on the mechanism of injury (blunt or penetrating traum a), the clinical presentation, and the extent of the lesions. Knowledge of the different appearances of the posttraumatic kidney on imaging studies is essential for prompt and effective treatment of patients. This pictorial e ssay reviews the imaging evaluation and principal imaging findings associat ed with blunt and penetrating renal trauma. The role of computed tomography is emphasized because it is a very sensitive, specific, and accurate modal ity in detecting the presence or absence of injury and defining its extent.