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Urolithiasis in a children's hospital: 1985-1990
K Nimkin1, R L Lebowitz, J C Share
1Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
Urologic Radiology
|January 1, 1992
Summary
This study on urinary tract stones found that computed tomographic (CT) scans were most effective for detecting urolithiasis. Excretory urograms (EU) and ultrasonograms also showed high stone detection rates.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Radiology
- Pediatric Nephrology
Background:
- Urolithiasis, or urinary tract stones, affects patients across a wide age range.
- Identifying predisposing factors is crucial for managing urinary stone disease.
- Optimal imaging techniques are essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of urolithiasis in a hospital setting.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of different imaging modalities for detecting urinary tract stones.
- To identify common predisposing factors for stone formation.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of clinical data and imaging studies for 87 patients with urinary tract stones (1985-1990).
- Analysis of imaging results from plain films, ultrasonograms, excretory urograms (EU), and computed tomographic (CT) scans.
- Assessment of patient demographics, age distribution, and identified predisposing causes.
Main Results:
- The study included patients aged 3 months to 44 years, with a mean age of 15.7 years; 54% were male.
- Predisposing causes were common, particularly myelodysplasia and structural urologic issues.
- Detection rates varied by imaging modality: plain films (57%), ultrasonograms (77%), EU (84%), and CT scans (100%).
Conclusions:
- Computed tomographic (CT) scans demonstrated the highest diagnostic yield for detecting urinary tract stones.
- Excretory urograms (EU) and ultrasonography are also valuable tools for diagnosing urolithiasis.
- Understanding prevalence and optimizing imaging approaches are key in managing urinary stone disease.