[Diagnosis of ureteral calculi using ultrasonography, intravenous urography and unenhanced helical computed tomography].
BACKGROUND
The pain in the loins is usually the consequence of renal colic caused by small ureteral calculi.
Ultrasonography is an efficient tool in the detection of calculi in the pyelocalyx system, but it may not be sufficient for the area of renal pelvis and ureter, as wll as for the ureter and the ureterovesical junction.
Radiolucent stones, dilatation of the ureter and of the pyelocalyx system were identified on the urogram, which are common signs of ureter calculosis. Defects in the contrast can be caused by blood clots and papillary or malignant tumors of the ureter, thus causing a differential diagnosis problem.
Noncontrast spiral CT is useful for detection fo calculi as small as 3mm. It can identify their localization and size without enlargements. The primary and secondary CT signs also confirm the established diagnosis.


CONCLUSIONS
The noncontrast spiral CT is a highly precise method for assessment of kidney pain. It is a realiable and rapid diagnostic modality for the detection of urinary stones which differentiates them from blood clots, tumors, air and other factors which create a differential diagnosis problem.
Govorcin
Mira
M
Klinicki centar Novi Sad.
Stojanović
Sanja
S
Hadnadev
Dusan
D
Lucić
Zorka
Z
Lukac
Ilona
I
D006801:Humans; D036542:Tomography, Spiral Computed; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014514:Ureteral Calculi / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014567:Urography