Imaging in the diagnosis of pediatric urolithiasis.
Pediatric urolithiasis is an important and increasingly prevalent cause of pediatric morbidity and hospital admission. Ultrasound (US) is the recommended primary imaging modality for suspected urolithiasis in children. There is, however, widespread use of CT as a first-line study for abdominal pain in many institutions involved in pediatric care. The objective of this review is to outline state-of-the-art imaging modalities and methods for diagnosing urolithiasis in children. The pediatric radiologist plays a key role in ensuring that the appropriate imaging modality is performed in the setting of suspected pediatric urolithiasis. Our proposed imaging algorithm starts with US, and describes the optimal technique and indications for the use of CT. We emphasize the importance of improved communication with a greater collaborative approach between pediatric and general radiology departments so children undergo the appropriate imaging evaluation.
Department of Radiology, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Ave., Boston, MA, 02116, USA. gabrielle.colleran@childrens.harvard.edu.
Gabrielle C
GC
Colleran
Department of Radiology, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Ave., Boston, MA, 02116, USA.
Michael J
MJ
Callahan
Department of Radiology, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Ave., Boston, MA, 02116, USA.
Harriet J
HJ
Paltiel
Department of Urology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
Caleb P
CP
Nelson
Department of Urology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
Bartley G
BG
Cilento
Department of Nephrology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
Michelle A
MA
Baum
Department of Radiology, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Ave., Boston, MA, 02116, USA.
Jeanne S
JS
Chow
D002648:Child; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014463:Ultrasonography; D052878:Urolithiasis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*
Children; Computed tomography; Dual-energy computed tomography; Radiography; Sonography; Urinary tract; Urolithiasis