• Călin Moş, Gineta Holt, Stefan Iuhasz, Doina Moş, Ile Teodor, and Monica Hălbac.
• University of Oradea, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, 1 Andrei Saguna street, 415200 Beius, Romania. drcalinmos@yahoo.com
• Med Ultrason. 2010 Sep 1;12(3):188-97.

ObjectivesThe ultrasonographic diagnosis of renal lithiasis colic is suggested by the existence of hydronephrosis, but the certainty is given by the direct visualization of the ureteral calculus. The aim of this study is to assess the performance of ultrasound in identifying ureteral calculi compared to other imaging methods (abdominal X-ray, urography and computed tomography).Material And MethodWe performed ultrasonographic examination (one or multiple examinations) in 217 patients with renal colic and ureterolithiasis. The calculus was identified by abdominal radiography, urography, computed tomography or by eliminating the calculusResultsUreteral calculi were ultrasonographically identified in 159 of the examined patients: 121 in the initial examination, 38 in the additional reexaminations (73.27% sensitivity compared to 48.39% X-ray, 68.37% urography, and 91.11% CT). Hydronephrosis was identified in 193 patients (88.94%). None of the imaging methods managed to identify ureteral calculus in 4 of the patients (1.84%), the diagnosis being retrospective, based on the urinary elimination of the calculus. The calculi were located 12.58% in the pelviureteric junction, 10.69% in the proximal ureter, 6.91% in the mid ureter, 28.93% in the distal ureter, and 40.88% in the pelviureteric junction.ConclusionsUltrasound is a sensitive method for detecting UL in renal colic and can be used as the initial imaging method in investigating these patients. The presence or absence of hydronephrosis can not be considered as a discriminatory factor for the diagnosis of ureterolithiasis.

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