Unexplained renal colic: what is the utility of IV contrast?
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefit of intravenous (IV) contrast in patients with suspected renal colic and unremarkable unenhanced MDCT.


METHODS
One thousand two hundred and four patients with suspected ureterolithiasis were evaluated with unenhanced MDCT. Seven hundred and eight patients that had additional imaging following IV contrast were our study group.


RESULTS
Of the patients, 9.4% (67/708) had abnormalities seen only on contrast-enhanced exams. In 53.1% (376/708) of the patients, no additional finding was identified after IV contrast.


CONCLUSIONS
IV contrast in patients with renal colic is rarely helpful.
Miller
Frank H
FH
Department of Radiology, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Suite 800, 676 N. St. Clair, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. fmiller@northwestern.edu
Kraemer
Eric
E
Dalal
Kshitij
K
Keppke
Ana
A
Huo
Eugene
E
Hoff
Frederick L
FL
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002292:Carcinoma, Renal Cell / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003085:Colic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D007479:Iopamidol / Q000008:administration & dosage; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D011704:Pyelonephritis / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D003287:Contrast Media; D007479:Iopamidol