Imaging patients with renal colic—consider ultrasound first

Research output: Contribution to journalEditorialResearchpeer-review

  • Carlos Nicolau
  • Michel Claudon
  • Lorenzo E. Derchi
  • E. Jane Adam
  • Nielsen, Michael Bachmann
  • Gerhard Mostbeck
  • Catherine M. Owens
  • Christiane Nyhsen
  • Spyros Yarmenitis

Abstract: Renal colic is a common disease in Europe and a common cause of visit to the Emergency Department. Clinical diagnosis is usually confirmed by imaging modalities. Unenhanced computed tomography (CT) is considered the best diagnostic test due to its excellent accuracy detecting ureteral stones. However, ultrasound (US) should be considered as the primary imaging technique. It is a reproducible, non-invasive and non-expensive imaging technique, achieving accurate diagnosis in most cases without the need for radiation. Diagnosis is based on the presence of ureteral stones, but indirect findings such as the asymmetry or absence of ureteric jet, an increase of the resistive index or a colour Doppler twinkling artefact may help to suggest the diagnosis when the stone is not identified. Main Messages: • Renal colic diagnosis is usually confirmed by imaging modalities. • Imaging diagnosis of renal colic is based on the detection of ureteral stones. • CT is the most accurate imaging technique to identify ureteral stones. • US allows correct diagnosis in most cases without using radiation. • US should be used as the first imaging modality in patients with renal colic.

Original languageEnglish
JournalInsights into Imaging
Volume6
Issue number4
Pages (from-to)441-447
Number of pages7
ISSN1869-4101
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 29 Aug 2015

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2015, The Author(s).

    Research areas

  • Computed Tomography, Hydronephrosis, Renal colic, Ultrasound, Ureteral calculi

ID: 331500674