Comparison of Non Enhanced Computed Tomography with Ultrasound in Patients with Renal Colic

Objective: The aim of the study is to compare the efficacy of non enhanced computed tomography (NECT) with ultrasound (US) imaging in the assessment of ureteral stone in patients admitted to emergency department with flank pain. Methods: Between January 2012 and June 2012, the data of patients admitted to the urology outpatient clinic or emergency department with uni or bilateral flank and/or groin pain were included in the study. The data of US, NECT and urinanalysis were retrospectively reviewed. Patients whose stones were not detected on US examination and refered to NECT examination were included in the study. Results: The mean age and stone size of the 138 patients included in the study were 35.3 +/- 10.8 (7-68), 6.12 +/- 2.68 (3-17), respectively. The patients were distributed according to stone size; the mean age, stone size of 63 patients in group I and group II were 33.1 +/- 10.7, 3.93 +/- 0.98 mm and 37.1 +/- 10.9, 7.96 +/- 2.24 mm respectively. NECT, US sensitivities in Group 1 and Group 2 were 96% (72/75), 56% (76) and 97% (63), 56% (76). The patients were also distributed according to stone location in the urinary tract; the mean age and stone size of 47 patients in group A (kidney stones) were 36.0 +/- 9.47, 5.52 +/- 0.3 mm respectively. the mean age and stone size of 23 patients in group B (renal pelvis and upper ureteral stones) were 38.10 +/- 11.1 and 7.87 +/- 1.98 mm, the mean age and stone size of 25 patients in C group (mid ureteral Stones) were 34.5 +/- 10.2 and 6.02 +/- 1.33 mm, the mean age and stone size of 43 patients in D group (lower ureteral stones) were 33.4 +/- 11.9 and 5.86 +/- 2.33 mm, respectively. Conclusion: NECT is more efficient than US in the detection urinary stones in patients admitted to the emergency department. However, the non invasive US on bedside examination in the emergency department can be useful in the detection of urinary stones. Computed tomography can be useful in cases with negative stone findings in US.