[Ultra-low-dose CT to search for stones in kidneys and collecting system]

Abstract

Unenhanced computed tomography (CT) has a sensitivity of 97.7 to 100 % for the detection of urolithiasis. Using a modified examination protocol, the radiation exposure of a CT examination can be reduced to the level of a single conventional radiographic view of the abdomen (ultra-low-dose CT), assuming the examination is performed on a modern multirow CT. Automatic postprocessing of thin-section images can delineate stones on coronal images. In 30 patients, ultra-low-dose CT could detect more stones (6 renal and 19 ureteral stones) than ultrasonography.