[Imaging of urinary lithiasis: "all in one"]

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Urology

Background:

• Urinary lithiasis (kidney stones) is a prevalent condition, particularly in upper urinary tracts in developed countries.
• Accurate diagnosis and management are crucial for patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the diagnostic accuracy and comprehensive utility of helical CT in evaluating urinary lithiasis.
• To establish helical CT as a superior alternative to conventional imaging techniques.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing newer helical CT devices for non-contrast imaging.
• Employing multiplanar reconstructions and dynamic analysis of axial views.
• Assessing helical CT's role in diagnosis, morphology assessment, obstruction evaluation, and differential diagnosis.

Main Results:

• Helical CT accurately diagnoses stones without contrast, detailing morphology and location.
• It effectively identifies urinary obstruction, assesses urinary tract conditions, and aids in emergency differential diagnoses.
• Helical CT is valuable for detecting residual fragments during follow-up.

Conclusions:

• Helical CT offers an "all-in-one" examination for urinary lithiasis.
• It is the most accurate modality for stone diagnosis, characterization, and management.
• Helical CT is poised to replace combined plain film-ultrasonography and intravenous urography.