CT Abdomen and Pelvis Results Explained: Understanding Your CT Report

1. What the test is and why I ordered it

A CT scan uses X-rays to make cross-sectional images of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and surrounding organs. It may be done with or without contrast dye; a CT urogram is a version designed to look at the urinary tract when there is blood in the urine. I order it for stones, blood in the urine, flank pain, kidney masses, or after an injury.

2. What the numbers usually mean

• Stones: measured in millimeters. Stones under about 5 mm often pass on their own; larger ones are less likely to. Location matters too.

• Hydronephrosis: swelling of the kidney from a blockage downstream, graded mild, moderate, or severe.

• Kidney cysts are graded by the Bosniak system. Categories I and II are benign. IIF needs follow-up imaging. III and IV need a discussion about treatment.

• Incidental findings, such as a small adrenal nodule or liver cyst, are common and usually harmless. The report may suggest routine follow-up.

3. What usually happens next

That depends on the finding. A stone may be watched, treated with medication to help it pass, or removed. A kidney mass or complex cyst usually needs more imaging or a visit to discuss options. Incidental findings outside the urinary tract usually go back to your primary care doctor.

4. When to call right away

Go to the emergency room for flank pain with fever or chills, vomiting that keeps you from holding down fluids, very little or no urine, or severe pain if you have only one kidney.

5. Where to see your result and ask about it

Your actual result, and any note from your care team, is in your patient portal, the same one you use to book visits and send messages. Send questions about your result through the portal, or call the office at (516) 535-1900. If something feels urgent, call the office or go to the nearest emergency room. This page explains what results usually mean; it can't interpret yours.