Prediction of the ureteric stone outcome by CT scan

Abstract

Background and objective: Urolithiasis is prevalent in both developed and developing countries, which is attributed to changes in lifestyles. Management of ureteric stones is highly dependent on their characteristics such as volume, size, and density which can be determined based on the images obtained from CT scan. The present study was carried out to examine the association between the final outcomes of the stones and different stone parameters specified by CT scan. Methods: The present prospective cross-sectional study consisted of 100 patients who had been referred to the Radiology Department of Rizgary and Erbil Teaching Hospitals in Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq, over six months in 2019 to undergo abdominal CT scan with clinical suspicion of ureteric stones. All patients underwent non-contrast MDCT scan, and the CT images were evaluated for the presence of ureteric stone, site of the stone, side, diameter in three planes, volume, and density. The outcome of the stone was correlated with each above variables. Results: Ureteric stones were more prevalent among the young and middle age group (25-64 years) with an approximate male-to-female ratio of 3.34:1. There were significant associations between stone outcomes (i.e. spontaneous passage or need for intervention) and the stone characteristics including volume (P <0.001), density (P <0.001)site (upper, mid and lower ureter) (P = 0.02), anteroposterior diameter (P <0.001), transverse diameter (P = 0.006), and superior inferior diameter (P <0.001). Conclusion: Upon the significant correlation between the spontaneous passage of ureteric stones and their characteristics (i.e., volume, density, site, anteroposterior diameter, transverse diameter, and superior inferior diameter), it is highly recommended that all patients with urolithiasis undergo CT scan examination in order to make the proper decision regarding stone management. Keywords: Ureteric stones; CT scan; Stone characteristics; Spontaneous passage.