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Published in: World Journal of Urology 2/2015

01-02-2015 | Topic Paper

Kidney stones and imaging: What can your radiologist do for you?

Authors: Raphaële Renard-Penna, Aurélie Martin, Pierre Conort, Pierre Mozer, Philippe Grenier

Published in: World Journal of Urology | Issue 2/2015

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Abstract

Objectives

We discuss in this review, urologists’ expectations of imaging in terms of detection, characterization, pre-planning treatment and follow-up of urinary stones.

Materials and methods

Data acquisition regarding kidney stones and imaging was performed using MEDLINE searches with combinations of the following keywords: urinary stones, CT Urography, low dose CT, MRI urography, renal stones ultrasound, conventional radiography, surgery.

Results

CT has become the gold standard for the evaluation of urinary stones. Scanning provides information regarding stone (composition, size, burden, location), collecting system and renal parenchyma. Those findings are crucial in determining appropriate treatment strategies. Because CT exposes the patient to substantial ionizing radiation, efforts have already been made to decrease the CT radiation dose for CT examination (low dose CT) and optimize image quality. Efforts also are being made to use non ionizing modalities such as ultrasound in combination with radiography particularly for the follow up of renal stones.

Conclusion

CT is the preferred method for the evaluation and treatment planning of urolithiasis. CT radiation dose reduction can be achieved with low dose CT. However, conventional radiography and ultrasound are still recommended in the follow up of renal stones.
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Metadata
Title
Kidney stones and imaging: What can your radiologist do for you?
Authors
Raphaële Renard-Penna
Aurélie Martin
Pierre Conort
Pierre Mozer
Philippe Grenier
Publication date
01-02-2015
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
World Journal of Urology / Issue 2/2015
Print ISSN: 0724-4983
Electronic ISSN: 1433-8726
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00345-014-1416-0

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