CT cystography with multiplanar reformation for suspected bladder rupture: Experience in 234 cases

OBJECTIVE. CT cystography has replaced conventional cystography in the evaluation of patients with suspected bladder rupture in most trauma centers. We performed this retrospective review to determine the accuracy of CT cystography and the role of multiplanar reformation in the diagnosis of bladder injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS. The patient cohort was composed of trauma patients with clinically or CT-suspected bladder ruptures who were evaluated with CT cystography using two different MDCT scanners at our level I trauma center. The patients were identified through Folio, a radiology research tool software system. The CT cystography results were compared with the findings at surgery, clinical follow-up, or both. RESULTS. Between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2004, 234 patients were examined in our level I trauma center with CT cystography. From the total of 234 examinations, 216 (92.3%) were interpreted as negative and 18 examinations (7.7%) were interpreted as positive. On the 18 positive examinations, 11 were extraperitoneal bladder rupture, five were intraperitoneal bladder rupture, and two were combined intraperitoneal and extraperitoneal bladder rupture. Surgical bladder exploration and repair were performed in nine of the 18 cases. Seven (77.8%) of the nine cases had operative findings consistent with the CT cystogram findings. The overall sensitivity and specificity of CT cystography in diagnosing bladder rupture were each 100%. For extraperitoneal bladder rupture, the sensitivity and specificity were 92.8% and 100%, respectively. For intraperitoneal rupture, the sensitivity and specificity were 100% and 99%, respectively. CONCLUSION. CT cystography is accurate for diagnosing bladder rupture. Sagittal and coronal multiplanar reformations may be helpful in identifying most sites of bladder rupture.