Imaging for urolithiasis: standards, trends, and radiation exposure.

Journal Article (Journal Article;Review)

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To discuss current trends in imaging for urolithiasis and review the recent scientific literature surrounding this topic. Specifically, to address the efforts urologist should be making to reduce the use of ionizing radiation and to examine alternatives to computerized tomography (CT) scan in diagnosing and managing patients with stones. RECENT FINDINGS: Although CT remains the gold standard for diagnosing urolithiasis, low-dose and ultralow-dose CT scans should be utilized more frequently. Imaging with ultrasound and digital tomosynthesis, especially in follow-up for urolithiasis, offers the dual benefit of reduced patient radiation exposure and acceptable diagnostic ability. SUMMARY: Urolithiasis is a prevalent and recurrent condition and patient radiation exposure throughout diagnosis and management of this disease needs to be considered. Imaging modalities that limit radiation and preserve diagnostic accuracy must be utilized.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Lipkin, M; Ackerman, A

Published Date

  • January 2016

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 26 / 1

Start / End Page

  • 56 - 62

PubMed ID

  • 26555690

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1473-6586

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1097/MOU.0000000000000241

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • United States