Does the protocol for suspected renal colic lead to unnecessary radiation exposure of young female patients?
Unenhanced multidetector computed tomography (CT KUB) is now firmly established as the best imaging method in the evaluation of suspected acute renal colic, and is replacing intravenous urography at an increasing number of hospitals. The female patient presenting at the emergency department with suspected acute renal colic presents a particular diagnostic problem, as the positive rate for stone disease in female patients is considerably lower compared with male patients. The indiscriminate use of suspected renal colic protocol and CT KUB in all female patients with flank pain should be avoided.
Patatas
Kyriacos
K
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, UK. kpatatas@hotmail.com
D059787:Acute Pain / Q000209:etiology; D000328:Adult; D004630:Emergencies; D005260:Female; D021501:Flank Pain / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D061330:Multidetector Computed Tomography / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D056844:Renal Colic / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D012737:Sex Factors; D019564:Unnecessary Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data