Radiology Rounds - July 2008 - Dual Energy CT for Renal Stones

Renal colic is a common presentation, with patients complaining of moderate to severe flank pain with or without hematuria. Unenhanced low-dose multidetector CT (MDCT) is recognized as the most accurate examination technique. It shows the precise location and size of renal stones within the kidney, the ureters, and the bladder. If the MDCT examination shows a ureteral stone <5 mm, the stone will likely pass and conservative management with hydration, medical expulsive therapy (i.e. alpha-blockers) and analgesia is recommended.