Suzanne Shine1. 1. Department of Radiology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Eccles Street, Dublin 7, Ireland. sueshine@eircom.net
Abstract
BACKGROUND: We wondered whether noncontrast CT performs better than the intravenous urogram (IVU) in the detection of urinary calculi. METHODS: A comprehensive search of the literature was undertaken in order to answer the above question. Both primary and secondary sources of evidence were searched. The retrieved evidence was then appraised. RESULTS: The strongest evidence was in a meta-analysis by Worster and colleagues (level 1a evidence according to the Oxford/CEBM levels of evidence). This was an analysis of four studies with a total of 296 patients who underwent intravenous urogram and noncontrast CT. This study shows that CT has better diagnostic performance than IVU for the detection of urinary stones. CONCLUSIONS: The literature suggests that CT should be utilized in preference to IVU for patients with suspected urolithiasis.
BACKGROUND: We wondered whether noncontrast CT performs better than the intravenous urogram (IVU) in the detection of urinary calculi. METHODS: A comprehensive search of the literature was undertaken in order to answer the above question. Both primary and secondary sources of evidence were searched. The retrieved evidence was then appraised. RESULTS: The strongest evidence was in a meta-analysis by Worster and colleagues (level 1a evidence according to the Oxford/CEBM levels of evidence). This was an analysis of four studies with a total of 296 patients who underwent intravenous urogram and noncontrast CT. This study shows that CT has better diagnostic performance than IVU for the detection of urinary stones. CONCLUSIONS: The literature suggests that CT should be utilized in preference to IVU for patients with suspected urolithiasis.
Authors: Michael Riccabona; Fred E Avni; Johan G Blickman; Jean-Nicholas Dacher; Kassa Darge; Maria Luisa Lobo; Ulrich Willi Journal: Pediatr Radiol Date: 2009-06-30