Clinical characteristics of bladder cancer identified by multi-detector computed tomography in patients with asymptomatic isolated hematuria

Yoon, Hye Eun; Kim, Byung Soo; Shin, Young Shin; Jeong, Hyeon Hwa; Kim, Yong Gyun; Shin, Seok Jun; Kim, Young Ok; Song, Ho Cheol; Kim, Yong Soo; Choi, Euy Jin

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This report discusses the frequency and clinical characteristics of bladder cancer diagnosed with multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) in outpatients visiting a nephrology and urology clinic with asymptomatic isolated hematuria.
METHODS
MDCT was performed on outpatients who presented to the nephrology and urology clinic at the Holy Family Hospital of the Catholic University of Korea with asymptomatic isolated hematuria from January 2005 to December 2007.
RESULTS
Of the 1,819 patients who underwent MDCT, the results were normal in 54.1%, showed a simple renal cyst in 25.7%, a renal calculus in 4.7%, and a malignant tumor of the urinary tract in 1.7%. Twenty-five patients (1.3%) were diagnosed with bladder cancer, including 20 (80%) men and 5 (20%) women. The average age of the patients with bladder cancer was 74.5+/-7.3 years. The 25 patients diagnosed with bladder cancer had a higher rate of gross hematuria, older age, and male gender (p<0.05) compared to the other patients. In addition, their hemoglobin and albumin levels were significantly lower (p<0.05). For all patients, the frequency of bladder cancer in those with asymptomatic microscopic hematuria, excluding those with gross hematuria, was extremely low (0.3%, 6 patients).
CONCLUSIONS
MDCT may constitute an adequate diagnostic test for patients with asymptomatic hematuria. Older male patients with gross hematuria require a thorough urologic evaluation.