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Renal colic. Utility of the plain abdominal roentgenogram
A Mutgi1, J W Williams, M Nettleman
1Department of Medicine, Medical College of Ohio, Toledo 43699.
Archives of Internal Medicine
|August 1, 1991
Summary
Plain abdominal roentgenography (PAR) has low sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing renal colic. Clinical evaluation alone or with selective imaging is more effective and cost-efficient.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Urology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Renal colic diagnosis relies on imaging and clinical evaluation.
- Plain abdominal roentgenography (PAR) is a common diagnostic tool.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of PAR versus clinical evaluation for renal colic.
- To assess the cost-effectiveness of different diagnostic strategies.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of 85 symptomatic patients.
- Comparison of PAR and clinical scoring system against gold standard (IVP/stone retrieval).
Main Results:
- PAR sensitivity: 58%, specificity: 69%.
- Clinical scoring: sensitivity 73%, specificity 46%.
- Clinical scoring followed by selective IVP was more cost-effective.
Conclusions:
- PAR demonstrates limited diagnostic value for renal colic.
- Clinical evaluation and selective imaging are preferred for cost-effectiveness.