CTU

Medical abbreviation · Medical Imaging

CTU
Stands forComputed tomography urography
CategoriesMedical

CTU stands for Computed tomography urography, a medical imaging abbreviation.

Multiphase CT of the kidneys, ureters and bladder that includes a delayed excretory phase after contrast fills the urinary tract. It is the standard imaging test for visible blood in the urine, detecting stones, kidney tumors and urothelial cancers of the collecting system and ureters.

Example: CTU for gross hematuria: filling defect in the left renal pelvis.

Usage notes

CTU replaced the intravenous pyelogram in most centers. A split-bolus technique combines two contrast phases into one acquisition to lower radiation dose. MR urography is an alternative for pregnant patients and those who cannot receive iodinated contrast.

More medical imaging abbreviations

  • CIN – Contrast-induced nephropathy
  • CT – Computed tomography
  • CTA – Computed tomography angiography
  • CTH – Computed tomography of the head
  • CTP – Computed tomography perfusion
  • CTPA – Computed tomography pulmonary angiography
  • CXR – Chest X-ray
  • DBT – Digital breast tomosynthesis
  • DEXA – Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry
  • DICOM – Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine
  • DSA – Digital subtraction angiography
  • DWI – Diffusion-weighted imaging

See all 58 medical imaging abbreviations →

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.