Sonographic mimics of renal calculi

To review sonographic findings that can mimic renal calculi.

We comment on a number of echoes that can mimic renal calculi.

There are a number of sonographic renal artifacts, vascular and nonvascular, that may confound a correct diagnosis.

Awareness of these potential artifacts will result in a more specific sonographic examination and will accurately guide the referring physician toward appropriate patient treatment. The importance of other imaging modalities is also emphasized to ensure that a correct diagnosis is obtained whenever the sonographic findings are inconclusive.