title: Prediction of lower pole stone clearance after shock wave lithotripsy using an artificial neural network.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We performed this study as a comprehensive evaluation of variables reported to affect lower pole stone clearance after shock wave lithotripsy using artificial neural network analysis.
  
  
  METHODS
  The radiographic images and treatment records of 680 patients with lower pole renal calculi treated with primary shock wave lithotripsy using the Wolf Piezolith 2500 (Wolf, Knittlingen, Germany) lithotriptor were retrospectively evaluated by applying artificial neural network analysis. Successful stone clearance was defined as absent fragments of any size detected on plain x-ray with tomography and/or excretory pyelography performed 6 months after treatment. Prognostic variables included patient characteristics, laboratory values, stone characteristics and the spatial anatomy of the lower pole, as defined by infundibular length, diameter, caliceal pelvic height, 2 measurements of the lower infundibulopelvic and infundibuloureteropelvic angles as well as the pattern of dynamic urinary transport.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Artificial neural network analysis had 92% accuracy for correctly predicting lower pole stone clearance. The pattern of dynamic urinary transport represented the most influential predictor of stone clearance, followed by a measure of the infundibuloureteropelvic angle, body mass index, caliceal pelvic height and stone size. Anatomical measurements of lower pole anatomy and classification of the type of urinary transport were well reproducible with low intra-observer and interobserver variability (correlation coefficient alpha >0.8).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In a comprehensive analysis of variables reported to influence lower pole stone clearance artificial neural network analysis predicted stone clearance with a high degree of accuracy. The relative importance of dynamic urinary transport in lower pole stones and the usefulness of artificial neural network analysis to predict shock wave lithotripsy outcomes in individuals must be confirmed in a prospective trial.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, Krankenhaus Nordwest, Teaching Hospital of Johann-Wolfgang-Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany.
authors.forename: Vassilis
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Poulakis
authors.forename: Philipp
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Dahm
authors.forename: Ulrich
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Witzsch
authors.forename: Rachelle
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: de Vries
authors.forename: Jochem
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Remplik
authors.forename: Eduard
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Becht
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007669:Kidney Calculi / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D007677:Kidney Function Tests; D008096:Lithotripsy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016571:Neural Networks, Computer; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014567:Urography