Premium
Unenhanced helical computed tomography in the evaluation of acute flank pain
Author(s) -
AHMAD NAZIM ALI,
ATHER MOHAMMAD HAMMAD,
REES JEFFREY
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
international journal of urology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.172
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1442-2042
pISSN - 0919-8172
DOI - 10.1046/j.1442-2042.2003.00628.x
Subject(s) - medicine , flank pain , flank , computed tomography , acute pain , helical computed tomography , radiology , tomography , medical physics , nuclear medicine , anatomy , anesthesia
Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the value of unenhanced helical computed tomography (UHCT) in the diagnosis of acute flank pain at our institution. Methods: Two hundred and thirty‐three consecutive UHCT examinations, performed for suspected renal/ureteral colic between July 2000 and August 2001 were reviewed, along with pertinent medical records. Results: Ureteral calculi were identified in 148 (64%) examinations, evidence of recent passage of calculi was found in 10 (4%) and no calculi were found in 75 (32%). Thirty‐two of the conservatively managed patients were excluded for inadequate follow‐up. In the remaining 201 patients, sensitivity of UHCT in diagnosing calculi was 99% and specificity was 98%, while the positive predictive value was 99% and negative positive predictive value was 98%. Overall, an alternative or additional diagnosis was established in 28 (12%) patients. Upon diagnosis of ureterolithiasis on UHCT, none of the patients required additional imaging studies for confirmation. Conclusion: UHCT is a highly sensitive imaging modality for the detection of urinary tract calculi and obstruction.