title: The role of the plain radiograph and renal tract ultrasound in the management of children with renal tract calculi.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Nottingham City Hospital, Hucknall Road, Nottingham.
authors.forename: S L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Somers
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Broderick
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Halliday
mesh_terms: 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