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Ultrasonography in acute flank pain
A K Kundu1, G C Bhattacherjee, B B Saha
1North Bengal Medical College, Sushrutanagar.
Journal of the Indian Medical Association
|November 1, 1996
Summary
Ultrasonography is a highly effective diagnostic tool for detecting urinary tract stones, outperforming standard X-rays in identifying stones and related conditions like hydronephrosis. This makes ultrasound a valuable method for flank pain assessment, especially in rural settings.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Urology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Acute recurrent or persistent flank pain is a common clinical presentation.
- Accurate diagnosis of urinary tract stones is crucial for effective management.
- Conventional radiography is often used but may have limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the diagnostic efficacy of ultrasonography and straight X-ray for detecting urinary tract stones in patients with flank pain.
- To evaluate the utility of ultrasound in identifying associated complications such as hydronephrosis.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 58 patients presenting with acute recurrent or persistent flank pain.
- Comparison of stone detection rates between straight X-ray (kidney, ureter, bladder region) and ultrasonography.
- Confirmation of calculus presence through intravenous urography, surgery, or spontaneous passage.
Main Results:
- Ultrasonography detected urinary tract stones in 55 patients (94.8%), while straight X-ray detected them in 50 patients (86.2%).
- Ultrasound also identified unilateral hydronephrosis in 20 patients (34.48%).
- The diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography was confirmed by subsequent clinical outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Ultrasonography is a safe, quick, and reliable diagnostic tool for urinary tract stones and hydronephrosis.
- Ultrasound is particularly effective in rural healthcare settings for initial stone detection.
- Intravenous urography should be reserved for cases requiring surgical intervention.