Hematuria and a CT scan - Interstitial Cystitis Network Support Forum

MaryInSF · 10-15-2008, 03:16 PM

For the past 2 years, whenever I have a urinalysis done, I always test positive for microscopic hematuria and the urine cultures always come back negative for infection. So out of curiousity, during my last appointment with my urogyn, I asked her why I always seem to have microscopic hematuria even though I don't have an infection.

She said that 2-3% of the population seem to have it even though they are healthy. To be safe, she ordered a cytology (analysis of urine cells under a microscope) and a CT scan with contrast. She said the CT scan might be an extreme measure but I could do it if I wanted to be super cautious. I am still waiting on the cytology results.

(1) How much microscopic blood in the urine is considered too much blood? A few red blood cells? Hundreds of RBCs?

(2) Have any of you had an abdomen/pelvis CT scan done with an iodine contrast agent injected during the CT? I'm just wondering if the contrast agent will cause more frequency and urgency (either during the CT or in the hours following the CT) or any other side effects.

(3) As far as I know, my kidney function is normal so I should be okay filtering out the contrast agent. But if the test is supposed to see if there is something in my kidneys that could be causing the hematuria, doesn't that mean my kidneys are not normal? Or am I confused?

TIA,
Mary

dg2901 · 10-15-2008, 05:36 PM

I've had a CT done with liquid contrast along with the iv contrast w/o any issues. The scan only takes a few minutes.
I cant answer your other questions--hopefully someone more educated will chime in soon.

Wishing you well...
Diana

***ICNDonna*** · 10-16-2008, 03:02 AM

I almost always have some red cells in my urine --- more if I'm flaring. Are you seeing a urologist? If not, that could be a wise step.

Donna

MaryInSF · 10-21-2008, 09:03 PM

Diana - I'm glad to hear that the IV contrast caused no issues and that the CT only took a few minutes.

Donna - My doctor that ordered the CT scan is an urogynecologist. She is an ob-gyn who did an extensive fellowship in urology and her specialty is women with incontinence and pelvic issues. I think she wants to rule out kidney problems as the cause to my microhematuria.

Sarah23 · 10-22-2008, 01:39 PM

I also have traces of blood in all my urinalysis tests. I have kidney stones along with IC. You should be fine filtering out the contrast agent. I inject contrast into people's coronary arteries for my job. There is a blood test; BUN and Creatnine, which gives an idea of the kidney function. It's probably not necesary for the amount of contrast you'll be getting and the fact that I'm guessing you're young and otherwise healthy. I'm not an expert, but I wouldn't worry about the contrast. They'll probably tell you to drink plenty of water to flush it out. I've had two CT scans for kidney stones and they were without contrast. Hope this helped some. Good luck with your CT!
Sarah

snowgirl · 10-22-2008, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaryInSF

Diana - I'm glad to hear that the IV contrast caused no issues and that the CT only took a few minutes.

Donna - My doctor that ordered the CT scan is an urogynecologist. She is an ob-gyn who did an extensive fellowship in urology and her specialty is women with incontinence and pelvic issues. I think she wants to rule out kidney problems as the cause to my microhematuria.

IS it possible or have they ruled out kidney stones. They would show up on ct with dye.. I think it is pretty common for a lot of IC pt's to have microscopic rbc's in our urine. That's what I was thinking ruling out or looking at kidneys with the ctand dye. Keep us posted. Vicky

RAS · 11-06-2008, 10:29 AM

i was having microhematuria, had a hidroextension, was clear, then saw the urologist to go over my IC plan, and he said "I'm concerned about the blood, it was clear before and now it isn't". I know at home I actually saw blood, and they said "oh, a tinge is normal". I said "no, I saw it". both my primary care and urologist dismissed my back pain because I didn't have a temperature. But this blood concerned urologist. Had CT today. The tech said it sure looks like a kidney stone. I never had a fever and my labs are still normal, they even sent to Mayo clinic for 2nd opinion for tests for alot other things besides IC.

Sarah23 · 11-06-2008, 11:49 AM

With my first kidney stone, I did have hematuria that I saw when I peed. That's why I went to the doctor and then they did an IVP and saw the stone. After all of my kidney stone and bladder procedures I've peed blood for a few days. With my first stone I actually ended up having an attack and an emergency cysto with stone removal. I bled pure blood for a full week. No one was concerned!! I thought I was going to pee all of my blood out! Have you gotten the results of your CT? If not, I'd call your doctors office and ask them to look it up. If your doctor is recommending a second opinion, I'd go for it. Good Luck!