Imaging of renal trauma

Renal injury occurs in 8–10% of all cases of blunt and penetrating abdominal trauma [1]. The management of renal trauma is constantly evolving, largely owing to the improved characterization of renal injury by helical CT. This in turn has resulted in a reduction in the need for surgical exploration and a re-evaluation of the indications for operative or conservative treatment. This review aims to establish the optimal imaging strategies of renal trauma, with a particular emphasis on the role of the radiologist in patient management.