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Advanced imaging in stone management.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Springhart, WP; Preminger, GM
Published in: Curr Opin Urol
March 2004

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Stone disease continues to plague humankind. Recent innovations in minimally invasive surgery, however, have decreased morbidity for the treatment of lithiasis, once only amenable to open surgical techniques. These advances in stone management have also been paralleled in the radiographic armamentarium. Herein, we describe the evolution of initial radiographic workup for urolithiasis, from abdominal radiograph to three-dimensional computed tomography and some of the novel applications thereof. RECENT FINDINGS: Previously, abdominal radiography was the only modality available for the visualization of calculi. Subsequently, the development of intravenous contrast aided in evaluating renal function, detecting the presence and location of obstruction, and in identifying filling defects. Most recently, prospective randomized trials have demonstrated improved sensitivity and specificity using noncontrast helical computed tomography rather than intravenous pyelogram with regard to the initial evaluation of acute flank pain. Further attempts to lower the overall radiation dose without compromising efficacy have also been introduced. Currently, the volume of calculus disease can be better quantified and somewhat qualified from three-dimensional computer software, thereby optimizing stone management. SUMMARY: Considerable progress has been made using minimally invasive techniques in the treatment of nephrolithiasis. Furthermore, advances in radiographic computer hard- and software applications allow for a rapid acquisition time and improved image quality without sacrificing diagnostic accuracy. In time, it is likely that the combination of these enhanced imaging modalities will lead to an improvement in stone localization, fragmentation and stone-free rates.

Duke Scholars

Published In

Curr Opin Urol

DOI

ISSN

0963-0643

Publication Date

March 2004

Volume

14

Issue

2

Start / End Page

95 / 98

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Urology & Nephrology
  • Urinary Calculi
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional
  • Humans
  • Flank Pain
  • Acute Disease
  • 3202 Clinical sciences
  • 1117 Public Health and Health Services
 

Citation

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Springhart, W. P., & Preminger, G. M. (2004). Advanced imaging in stone management. Curr Opin Urol, 14(2), 95–98. https://doi.org/10.1097/00042307-200403000-00008
Springhart, W Patrick, and Glenn M. Preminger. “Advanced imaging in stone management.Curr Opin Urol 14, no. 2 (March 2004): 95–98. https://doi.org/10.1097/00042307-200403000-00008.
Springhart WP, Preminger GM. Advanced imaging in stone management. Curr Opin Urol. 2004 Mar;14(2):95–8.
Springhart, W. Patrick, and Glenn M. Preminger. “Advanced imaging in stone management.Curr Opin Urol, vol. 14, no. 2, Mar. 2004, pp. 95–98. Pubmed, doi:10.1097/00042307-200403000-00008.
Springhart WP, Preminger GM. Advanced imaging in stone management. Curr Opin Urol. 2004 Mar;14(2):95–98.

Published In

Curr Opin Urol

DOI

ISSN

0963-0643

Publication Date

March 2004

Volume

14

Issue

2

Start / End Page

95 / 98

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Urology & Nephrology
  • Urinary Calculi
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional
  • Humans
  • Flank Pain
  • Acute Disease
  • 3202 Clinical sciences
  • 1117 Public Health and Health Services