How is pyelonephritis typically diagnosed?

Pyelonephritis is an infection of the kidney, and the diagnosis is primarily focused on confirming the presence of this infection with appropriate imaging and clinical findings. A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis without contrast is a highly effective diagnostic tool for pyelonephritis. It can reveal changes in the kidneys such as inflammation, swelling, or even the presence of abscesses, which are indicative of pyelonephritis. It can also help rule out other conditions that may present with similar symptoms, such as kidney stones or tumors.

While blood cultures can be useful in identifying the causative organism of a urinary tract infection (which can lead to pyelonephritis), they don’t provide direct visual confirmation of kidney involvement or structural changes. Ultrasound is another imaging technique that may be used, particularly in pediatric cases or when radiation exposure is a concern, but it is generally considered less sensitive for detecting complications of pyelonephritis compared to a CT scan. Liver function tests are not relevant to pyelonephritis as they assess liver function and health rather than kidney conditions. Therefore, a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis without contrast is the most suitable and informative method for diagnosing pyelonephritis.