The role of the plain radiograph and renal tract ultrasound in the management of children with renal tract calculi.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the relative efficacy of plain abdominal radiographs and detailed renal tract ultrasound (US) examination in the diagnosis and follow-up of children with renal tract calculi.


METHODS
The records and imaging studies of 28 paediatric patients who had presented with proven renal tract calculi over a period of 5 years were examined.


RESULTS
In 23 (82%) patients, US was the first investigation. All these patients also had plain radiographs. Plain radiographs were the first investigation in five (18%) patients. All renal calculi (100%) visible on plain films were demonstrated on US. Furthermore, detailed US often provided other clinically significant findings that were not apparent on plain films.


CONCLUSIONS
As a result of this study it is recommend that detailed US should be the investigation of choice in children with suspected renal tract calculi.
Smith
S L
SL
Department of Radiology, Nottingham City Hospital, Hucknall Road, Nottingham.
Somers
J M
JM
Broderick
N
N
Halliday
K
K
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007669:Kidney Calculi / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014514:Ureteral Calculi / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging