title: The sensitivity of transabdominal ultrasound in the diagnosis of ureterolithiasis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The ultrasonographic diagnosis of renal lithiasis colic is suggested by the existence of hydronephrosis, but the certainty is given by the direct visualization of the ureteral calculus. The aim of this study is to assess the performance of ultrasound in identifying ureteral calculi compared to other imaging methods (abdominal X-ray, urography and computed tomography).
  
  
  METHODS
  We performed ultrasonographic examination (one or multiple examinations) in 217 patients with renal colic and ureterolithiasis. The calculus was identified by abdominal radiography, urography, computed tomography or by eliminating the calculus
  
  
  RESULTS
  Ureteral calculi were ultrasonographically identified in 159 of the examined patients: 121 in the initial examination, 38 in the additional reexaminations (73.27% sensitivity compared to 48.39% X-ray, 68.37% urography, and 91.11% CT). Hydronephrosis was identified in 193 patients (88.94%). None of the imaging methods managed to identify ureteral calculus in 4 of the patients (1.84%), the diagnosis being retrospective, based on the urinary elimination of the calculus. The calculi were located 12.58% in the pelviureteric junction, 10.69% in the proximal ureter, 6.91% in the mid ureter, 28.93% in the distal ureter, and 40.88% in the pelviureteric junction.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Ultrasound is a sensitive method for detecting UL in renal colic and can be used as the initial imaging method in investigating these patients. The presence or absence of hydronephrosis can not be considered as a discriminatory factor for the diagnosis of ureterolithiasis.
authors.affiliation: University of Oradea, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, 1 Andrei Saguna street, 415200 Beius, Romania. drcalinmos@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Călin
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Moş
authors.forename: Gineta
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Holt
authors.forename: Stefan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Iuhasz
authors.forename: Doina
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Moş
authors.forename: Ile
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Teodor
authors.forename: Monica
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hălbac
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011860:Radiography, Abdominal / Q000379:methods; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014514:Ureteral Calculi / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014567:Urography