Urologists Perspective and Evolving Imaging Expectations in Patients with Genitourinary Anomalies

PURPOSE/AIM: To review the spectrum of congenital genitourinary anomalies and variants (CGUAV) of the kidneys (position, number, shape), pelvis, ureter (course, number, shape, termination), bladder, urethra, Muellerian ducts and testis To discuss their clinical implications To explain the role of traditional and current imaging technologies (US, MDCT, MRI) CONTENT ORGANIZATION: Embryology of the genitourinary system and normal anatomy Traditional and “modern” genitourinary imaging Review of findings Implications for clinical management and surgical approach Differential diagnosis and imaging flow chart SUMMARY: CGUAV although important are less commonly discussed These represent often overlooked but clinically relevant entities with potentially serious clinical consequences Imaging can enable detection and classification Using imaging, appropriate treatment decisions can be made including recognizing prognostic implications Simple classification and image based algorithms can facilitate early diagnosis and triage appropriate care, thereby avoiding unnecessary procedures and long term injury