All rights reserved. I have seen patients who had 5-10 CAT scans in a period of 1-2 years for evaluation of kidney stones. Use the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Your doctor may use a CT scan to look for stones … Stones were seen on 47% (51/108) of the CT scouts, with a mean length of 5.22 mm. Where there was discordance, the films were examined by an independent radiologist. In the emergency room situation, in  a patient with renal colic, the finding of kidney stone on ultrasound as well as  hydronephrosis is diagnostic. Ultrasonography versus Computed Tomography (CT) for Kidney Stones, New Study Shows that 24 hour urine collection is underused nationwide. The Article Provide Complete Guide on Its Meaning, Purpose, Procedure, Use of Contrast, Urography Comparison, Cost & Discount. KUB (Kidney, ureters, bladder) X-ray: A KUB is a quick, inexpensive, and usually helpful imaging study for the confirmation of urinary stones.KUB can locate many stones, and when an individual is known to have stones in his or her kidney, the KUB is often used over time to compare and track the progress of the stones. Before a CT scan can be done a CT planning image (CTI) is generated in order to select the exact scanning area. In the male patient, the prostate gland is also scanned. While a single CT scan in adults is fairly safe and is associated with fairly small amount of radiation, many patients with kidney stones will have multiple recurrent episodes of kidney stones requiring multiple CT scans during their life. Radiation induced cancers typically do not develop immediately but take many years to occur. If a stone of adequate size is visible on a CT scan but not visible on KUB, then uric stones … A repeat ultrasound in a few weeks documenting resolution of hydronephrosis is all that is needed. All patients had both US and UHCT scan… There was no correlation between stone location and visibility on KUB or CT scout films. This is correct but practically this does not make a difference. There were 40/108 radiolucent stones subsequently measured on CT, with a mean length of 4.90 mm. CT … If you have previously obtained access with your personal account, please log in. A counter-argument for using ultrasound in diagnosing of kidney stones is that ureteral stones are usually difficult to visualize with ultrasound and unless they are located at UPJ or in the distal ureter will not be seen with ultrasound. CT KUB/ CT Scan KUB (Kidney, Ureter & Bladder) is CT Scan of Urinary System. Patient has a stone visible on renal or bladder ultrasound:  in this situation, ultrasound is diagnostic. struvite stones are more frequently encountered in women, like urinary tract infection as more common) 8. However, this test makes the patient wait her turn for the CT scan, sends her down the hall to Radiology and thus away from physicians/nurses, and exposes her abdomen to the side effects of ionizing radiation. The other common study for kidney stones are plain x-rays of the abdomen, known as “KUB’s” … (A) that the stone is in the ureter or that it has passed. The 2 most common dangerous diagnosis that could be mistaken for renal colic are appendicitis and cholecystitis. Importantly, all stones visible on CT scout were also visible on KUB. We suggest CT scout film should be reported before proceeding to KUB. A CT scan … CT scanning is superior to ultrasonography in identifying renal … KUB & Ultrasound vs CT My first ultrasound and my most recent KUB showed "possible" stones in both kidneys. The most common diagnosis other than kidney stone is musculoskeletal pain or sciatica. The other possibility is that the pain is not caused by a stone but has a different etiology. This is a challenging situation. If you do not receive an email within 10 minutes, your email address may not be registered, A CT scan is a special kind of X-ray. A more in-depth type of scan is called computed tomography, or CT scan. CT scans of the kidneys can provide more detailed information about the kidneys than standard kidney, ureter, and bladder (KUB) X-rays , thus providing more information related to injuries and/or diseases of the kidneys. CT scan is certainly useful for surgical planning in patients with large stones to define anatomy and decide which approach would be ideal especially when the question is whether the patient needs PCNL. Two tests are available for diagnosing kidney stones, CT scan or renal ultrasound. Other diagnoses that may cause ureteral obstruction such as ureteral tumor or ureteral stricture cannot be diagnosed by ultrasound. Importantly, all stones visible on CT scout were also visible on KUB. Computed tomography of kidneys, ureters and bladder (CT KUB) is a quick non-invasive technique for diagnosis of stone disease. It can also show stones in the urinary tract. CT scan will pick up smaller images and will pick up non-calcium containing stones. Scout detected 75% of stones visible on KUB. Stones were identified in 63% (68/108) of patients with KUB, with a mean length of 4.93 mm. CT scan is easy to perform. KUB is typically used to investigate gastrointestinal conditions such as a bowel obstruction and gallstones, and can detect the presence of kidney stones. First the patient has a renal colic due to a ureteral stone that has not produced hydronephrosis yet. View the article PDF and any associated supplements and figures for a period of 48 hours. Two urology registrars examined the films independently. Patient has hydronephrosis and the stone is not visible on ultrasound. 2. If you have any questions, to schedule a consultation or if you need a second opinion, please contact us or call: 646-663-4421. 3. Computed tomography (CT) is an excellent tool to evaluate masses, traumatic injury to the kidney, stones, and pyelonephritis. (C) If a  patient with hydronephrosis has fever, severe pain that cannot be controlled with medications, or abnormal renal function, the size or location of the stone do not matter as the patient needs to be taken to the operating room for surgical intervention. Many conditions may be associated with signs and symptoms in this region.These include, but are not limited to, intestinal blockage, gall or urinary bladder stones, malignancies, and complications of inflammation and/ or infecti… It was initially used in the evaluation of radiolucent stones only however, Smith et al. Combining ultrasound with a KUB, while not as sensitive or specific as a CT scan, does do a pretty good job of picking up clinically significant stones. I have a kidney stone in my upper ureter (verified by CT scan). Enter your email address below and we will send you your username, If the address matches an existing account you will receive an email with instructions to retrieve your username, I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of Use, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1464-410X.2009.08542.x. Unlimited viewing of the article PDF and any associated supplements and figures. Most patients tend to present between 30-60 years of age 1. [ 1] in 1995 showed CT … Computed tomography of kidneys, ureters and bladder (CT KUB) is a quick non-invasive technique for diagnosis of urolithiasis.It is usually considered the initial imaging modality for suspected urolithiasis … Kidney stone rates are increasing, and in a 2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, one in 11 people reported having had at least one kidney stone. There are 2 possibilities. In practice, any patient with symptoms of acute renal colic who demonstrates a urine pH lower than 6.0 should be considered at risk for a possible uric acid stone. Learn more. All stones seen on CT scout were also visible on KUB. In this situation, CT scan will not make any immediate difference. There was no correlation between stone location and visibility on KUB or CT scout … Classically, kidney stones are diagnosed by abdominal CT scan. In this situation the most likely explanation is a ureteral stone. I'm going for a followup KUB X-ray in a few weeks. Almost all kidney stones are CT positive. radiograph (KUB) Non-contrast CT Diagnosing number of kidneys with stones Kanno 2014a54 n=428 People with acute flank pain, hematuria, or a history of urinary stones who had US and NCCT on the same day Japan Renal stones US Non-contrast CT Diagnosing number of kidneys with stones Study reports results for ‘individual stone… By far the most common stone is calcium oxalate, however, the exact distribution of stones depends on the population and associated metabolic abnormalities (e.g. Other diagnoses that may cause ureteral obstruction such as ureteral tumor or ureteral stricture cannot be diagnosed by ultrasound. These patients had a very low risk of having another diagnosis that was dangerous. For comparison, the annual background radiation most individuals experience is 3.86 mSv just from the environment. There is significant evidence that accumulated radiation from exposure to multiple CT scans can have detrimental effect on life and may be associated with a small risk of developing certain cancers. So what now? Doctors may choose a CT scan in an emergency because it allows them to make a quick decision. The CTI looks approximately like a normal kidney-ureter-bladder abdominal radiography (KUB… The most important advance is the development of low dose CT scan options for the diagnosis and … A kidney-ureter-bladder, or KUB, X-ray of the abdomen and pelvis can help doctors to determine whether a kidney stone has grown, passed, or returned. (B) If the stone was in the ureter, a KUB can be at obtained with minimal radiation exposure. There were 40/108 radiolucent stones subsequently measured on CT, with a mean length of 4.90 mm. To assess the sensitivity of computed tomography (CT) scout topograms and kidney‐ureter‐bladder abdominal radiography (KUB) in detecting urinary tract stones. The CTI looks approximately like a normal kidney-ureter-bladder abdominal radiography (KUB… Therefore, getting a KUB … This is a case controlled study conducted in the period from June 2000 to July 2003 at a university hospital. Unlimited viewing of the article/chapter PDF and any associated supplements and figures. It did not show up on a KUB X-ray. The equipment takes pictures from several angles. A CT scan is a special kind of X-ray. © 2013-2020 New York Urology Specialists. A CT scan of the urinary tract can show infections, cysts, tumors, or obstructions in the urinary tract. The exact location of the stone does not matter all that much as long as the patient is willing to try to pass the stone. CT Scan. If the stone has passed the patient’s pain will resolve spontaneously over the next 24-48 hours. Patient has no hydronephrosis and the stone is not visible on ultrasound. In this situation, CT scan will not make any immediate difference. This minimizes radiation exposure and other costs. US vs. CT for Kidney Stones If the stone is visible on CT scout film, then the decision to use KUB for follow‐up can be made. NYC Kidney Stone Clinic offering lithotripsy, prevention and dietary treatment for kidney stones in New York with offices in Manhattan and Brooklyn serving patients in Long Island, Queens, Staten Island, Westchester and New Jersey. Without definite hydronephrosis, a CT scan may not be able to isolate a specific stone, although secondary signs, such as perinephric streaking and nephromegaly, may be present. A plain x-ray (KUB) carries a dose of 0.7 mSv as compared to a much higher dose of 15 mSv from a CT scan. Both of these can be evaluated and diagnosed with ultrasound with fairly good confidence. However more often than not a CT scan performed for evaluation of kidney stones … The CT scan can … Should they fail expectant management, CT scan can then be performed. 2. Stones were seen on 47% (51/108) of the CT scouts, with a mean length of 5.22 mm. KUB could be used for follow‐up in 63% of cases. This study found no significant difference in terms of diagnostic efficacy and more importantly ultrasound did not miss significantly more dangerous diagnosis then did CT scan. While sometimes CT scan provides valuable information that cannot be obtained with other methods, in my practice over the past 5 years the use of CT scans for evaluation and management of patients with kidney stones has decreased while the use of ultrasound has increased. The lifetime incidence of renal stones is high, seen in as many as 5% of women and 12% of males. However more often than not a CT scan performed for evaluation of kidney stones without intravenous contrast will miss these diagnoses as well. In all, 108 of 163 patients had both CT and KUB imaging on the same day. A CT KUB scan can diagnose traumatic injuries. Acute undiagnosed abdominopelvic pain without a clear etiology, and accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and/or issues with passing urine, is the primary indication for a CT KUB. Learn about our remote access options, Department of Urology, Christchurch Public Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand. We assesed films taken on presentation for 163 consecutive patients referred to our service for stone follow‐up. The KUB is often used to diagnose constipation as stool can be seen readily. In addition they are  likely to have a need for CT scan for evaluation of other symptoms at some point in their life. A large stone greater than 7-9 mm will most likely be visible on KUB. CT scans … Such a stone is more likely if the urine pH indicates very acidic urine. With wide availability of CT scans the pendulum has swung towards using CT scans for diagnosis of kidney stones. As long as the patient is stable and comfortable they can be managed expectantly without exposing them to unnecessary radiation. A KUB ultrasound is an examination requested by your doctor to evaluate the urinary tract (which includes the kidneys, ureters, and urinary bladder). Meanwhile 3 CT scans, 2 at the doctor and one at the ER didn't show that. The most common study used to diagnose a kidney stone are CT scans, which are very accurate at detecting a stone, its size, and its location. Use of Hounsfield Units to Optimize Care for Kidney Stones: New York Urology Specialists. Please check your email for instructions on resetting your password. Working off-campus? There is 3 possibilities: 1. CT KUB Scan … CT scan will not provide any additional information unless there is a suspicion of a different diagnosis in which case a different CT scan protocol is most likely needed (with IV and PO contrast). CT showing stone: CT scan images are far more precise than plain KUB xray. Almost all kidney stones are CT positive. If the patient is comfortable, has no fever and has normal renal function, an optimal approach is for patient to try to pass the stone. These patients have been exposed to significant amount of radiation in a very short period of time which is very concerning. Before a CT scan can be done a CT planning image (CTI) is generated in order to select the exact scanning area. and you may need to create a new Wiley Online Library account. The use of CT to diagnose kidney stones has risen 10-fold in the last 15 years. A CT scan for kidney stones can detect tiny pieces that other imaging tests might miss. Only those with both CT and KUB imaging on the same day were studied further. This approach is likely to decrease radiation exposure from CT scans by 70-80%. Smaller stones that are also more likely to pass will not be visible on KUB. For patients with large kidney stones renal ultrasound is essentially equivalent to CT scan in diagnosis of kidney stones. The KUB … A new randomized control study published in New England Journal of Medicine compared CT scan to ultrasound in evaluation of patients with symptoms of renal colic. To determine accuracy of ultrasound (US) kidney, ureter and bladder (KUB) compared to un-enhanced helical CT (UHCT) in patients with renal failure in the diagnosis of stone and obstruction. I would like to maxmize the chances that the stone will show up in the KUB so that I do not have to follow up with a CT. Now, I know the stone … Computed Tomography (CT) Scan for Kidney Stones. Location, size and length of stone were recorded. S pain will resolve spontaneously over the next 24-48 hours to investigate gastrointestinal conditions such as ureteral tumor or stricture! Films were examined by an independent radiologist imaging tests might miss stone: CT scan ) on the day. 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