Uropathy - obstructive

Symptoms associated with obstructive uropathy vary depending on whether the obstruction is acute or chronic, whether it is unilateral or bilateral, whether it is complete or partial, and what caused it. Common symptoms of obstructive uropathy include the following:

• Flank pain
  • Bilateral or unilateral
  • Colicky or severe
• Urinary tract infection
• Fever
• Difficulty or pain while urinating
• Nausea or vomiting
• Renal failure
• Weight gain or swelling (edema)
• Decreased urine output
• Blood in the urine

The diagnosis of obstructive uropathy is made on imaging studies. Common radiographic studies used to diagnose obstructive uropathy include:

• Abdominal ultrasound
• Abdominal CT scan
• Intravenous pyelogram (IVP)
• Voiding cystourethrogram
• Renal nuclear scan

Images

Female urinary tract

Bladder catheterization, male

Bladder catheterization, female

Male urinary tract

Previous Section

Obstructive uropathy Overview

Next Section

Obstructive uropathy Treatment

Review Date: 03/22/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; Scott Miller, MD, Urologist in private practice in Atlanta, Georgia. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)