Learning objectives
To review the anatomy and disease of the urethra in adults to define the current role of imaging of the urethra and periurethral disease as well as the technique and pitfalls of urethrography.
Identifying the key imaging features of urethral disease
Background
*Female urethra
Thefemale urethrais a simple short tube,
that transports theurineout of the body,extending from the internal urethral orifice of thebladderto the external urethral orifice in the vestibule of thevagina.
Gross anatomy
The female urethra measures approximately 4 cm in length.
It is embedded in the anterior vaginal wall and runs with the vagina through the urogenital hiatus.
The female urethra begins at the internal urethral meatus at the bladder neck and opens in the vestibule of the vagina,
2.5 cm below the clitoris.
Paraurethral...
Findings and procedure details
Imaging and Procedure details:
In this article we reviewed urethral normal anatomy,
pathologies on different imaging modalities.
Cross-sectional imaging modalities,
including ultrasonography,
magnetic resonance (MR) imaging,
and computed tomography,
are useful for evaluating urethral pathalogies.
*Female normal urethral imaging features
Fluoroscopy
-Micturating cystourethrogram (MCU):
This study will reveal a "spinning-top" appearance with normal 'wavy' walls caused by the pelvic floor muscles
-Retrograde urethrogram:
Proves troublesome because the balloon will almost completely fill the urethra but special equipment can be used
Ultrasound
Transvaginal,
transperineal or transurethral...
Conclusion
Imaging of the urethra based on urethrography is an integral component of the evaluation of patients with suspected urethral disease.
The incorporation of cross-sectional imaging techniques,
particularly MR imaging,
yields additional information essential to diagnosis and therapy planning.
Personal information
Dr.I.Gurubharath MD.,Ph.D
Author
Professor and HOD
Department of Radiodiagnosis ,
Shri Sathya Sai Medical College and Research Institute,Chennai,Tamilnadu
Email Id:
[email protected]
Dr.
Pooja Varwatte
Co-author
Postgraduate in Radiodiagnosis
Shri Sathya Sai Medical College and Research Institute,Chennai,Tamilnadu
Email Id :
[email protected]
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