ABSTRACT
Radiographic studies are integral for the management of urolithiasis. Ideally, these studies should provide optimal assessment of urinary tract anatomy and detailed stone characterization. Various imaging modalities are utilized during the management of urolithiasis such as intravenous urography (IVU), ultrasound (US), noncontrast computed tomography (NCCT), and magnetic resonance urography (MRU). Of these, NCCT has evolved to become the imaging modality of choice for the assessment of patients with suspected urinary tract stones. Besides its superior speed and accuracy in comparison to other radiologic tests, NCCT can also provide alternative diagnosis in patients without stones. As a first-line assessment tool for patients presenting with acute renal colic, NCCT has proven to be more effective for diagnosing urinary stones than IVU, ultrasound, and MRU.(1) This chapter will summarize the various imaging modalities employed for the diagnosis and management of urolithiasis. Special emphasis will be placed on NCCT, the first-line imaging modality for the management of urinary stones. Specific attention to current literature providing scientific evidence on the role of NCCT as a prognostic tool will be a primary focus. The goal of the chapter is to provide the reader with an evidence-based algorithmic approach for the radiographic work-up and management of urolithiasis.
