CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

In which position is the left distal ureter best visualized?

1. RPO

2. LPO

3. Supine

4. Prone

The correct answer is: LPO

The left distal ureter is best visualized in the left posterior oblique (LPO) position due to the anatomical layout of the urinary system and the effect of positioning on organ projection. When a patient is positioned in LPO, the left side of the body is raised and the right side is angled towards the image receptor. This positioning facilitates the visualization of the left kidney, ureters, and surrounding structures by providing a clearer line of sight and reducing the overlap of adjacent organs. In contrast to other positions, the LPO orientation allows for the distinctive separation of the left ureter from the spine and other abdominal structures, making it easier to identify any abnormalities or obstructions within the distal ureter. The tilted body position reduces superimposition from surrounding organs like the descending colon, which can obscure views of the ureters in supine or prone positions. Additionally, the LPO orientation aligns the ureter more perpendicularly to the x-ray beam, enhancing imaging quality. These considerations highlight why the left posterior oblique position is optimal for visualizing the left distal ureter effectively.