Publication:

The efficacy of unenhanced MDCT in the evaluation of nephroureterolithiasis

Background Increasing availability of MDCT with higher number of detectors has made it an initial modality of choice with higher degree of sensitivity and specificity, over and above the other modalities. The objective was to study the efficacy of unenhanced MDCT in the evaluation of nephroureterolithiasis.

Methods This is a prospective study done over a period of one year. It includes all patients with loin pain, who are clinically suspected for urinary stone disease. The study is performed on Philips Brilliance 64 slice MDCT.

Results It was found that maximum patients belonged to the age group of 41-50 years followed by 31-40 years. Males were more than females. The male to female ratio was 1.8:1. Maximum patients presented with ureteric calculi i.e. 40% followed by renal calculi (18.8%). A total of 23 patients were found to have ureteric calculi. Out of them majority presented with distal ureteric calculi (34.8%) followed by calculi at proximal ureter. Maximum i.e. 66.6% developed hydronephrosis followed by hydroureter in 51.1% of patients.

Conclusions Unenhanced MDCT is an excellent modality with many advantages and high sensitivity for evaluation of nephroureterolithiasis.