[Diagnostic imaging--the end of intravenous urography?]

For diagnosing patients with acute flank pain, unenhanced helical computed tomography (CT) is the most accurate method. However, conventional diagnosis using sonography and intravenous urography yields comparable results. For proper assessment, the availability, radiation dose, and cost have to be considered as well. Although the availability of CT has increased, radiation dose and cost are in favour of conventional diagnosis. At this time, we recommend sonography as the primary method. Depending on availability, intravenous urography or CT is a possible alternative.