Keywords:
Comparative studies, Audit and standards, CT, Urinary Tract / Bladder, Kidney, Emergency, Calcifications / Calculi, Education and training
Authors:
C. Waters1, D. Hillick2, P. McCarthy2, J. O'Donnell2; 1Claremorris, Co. Mayo/IE, 2Galway/IE
DOI:
10.1594/ecr2018/C-0353
Conclusion
The incidence of Renal Stones and the incidence of alternate diagnosis on CT KUB in the Emergency Department is in keeping with similar studies done in centres worldwide.
This study shows the importance of the history and clinical examination in deciding the most suitable scan for the patient. The diagnosis of renal colic is a clinical one. From the radiologists perspective,
the history and exam is vital for the vetting process.
Renal stones can be diagnosed using CT without the use of contrast compared to other pathologies,
affecting the bowel for example,
where IV contrast would be of benefit.
And though CT KUB scans require less of a service requirement compared to CT abdomen with contrast,
if any diagnosis other that renal stones is suspected from the non-contrast CT KUB; it is possible that the patient would have benefitted from a different scan.
This information is vital for the radiologist for the vetting process and in order to choose the most suitable investigation for the patient.