“What is the best imaging for kidney stones?”
I am a 48 year old male. I want to know what is the best imaging for kidney stones?
6 Answers
drink a lot of fluids, basic fluids like cranberry juice etc. if you google it, you will get a laundry list of things to drink. but fluids will flush out the stones and dissolve them.
CT and ultrasound are very good at detecting renal calculi. Sometimes both tests are used depending on your symptoms. Small calcs may be seen better with CT. CT would also be better to see ureteral calcs. But, ultrasound does not use radiation and is cheaper. Your doctor will order the appropriate test based on suspicion and the risk/benefit of exposing you to CT radiation.
Tailored nonenhanced CT scan of kidneys.
The best fit for imaging the kidney stones is CT scan of the abdomen without intravenous contrast.
Non-contrast CT is probably most sensitive. Downside is radiation. Ultrasound has no radiation and will detect most stones.
It depends on how large and where they are. A plain X-ray film or CT. An ultrasound can also be used if in the kidney. MRI does not show kidney stones well.
