Korean J Urol.  1997 Feb;38(2):146-150.

Clinical Experience for Radiolucent Stones; A Report of 27 Cases

• Kim HJ
• Lee GH

Abstract

The cause of radiolucent filling defects in the upper urinary tract are malignant tumor, radiolucent stones, blood clots, air bubbles, congenital deformities of renal parenchyme, and various specific and non-specific infection and their sequence. So the differential diagnosis between malignancy and radiolucent stones is very important, and the exact and fast diagnosis of radiolucent stones is useful in excluding the possibility of malignancy. 27 cases with radiolucent stones were evaluated retrospectively for exact diagnosis and appropriate treatment method. Intravenous urography was done in all cases, and retrograde pyelography, ultrasonography, computed tomography and/or ureterorenoscopy were performed for diagnosis, if needed. Size of stones were measured below 10mm by transverse length in 19 cases (70.4%) with a range of 3 to30mm. The locations of stones were pelvocalyceal system in 8 cases (29.6%) and ureter in 19 cases (70.4%). Among the diagnostic methods, computed tomography was used most frequently. ESWL with retrograde pyelography was most frequent used method of treatment, also simple hydration to small stone was effective.

Keyword

radiolucent stone

MeSH Terms

Congenital Abnormalities
Diagnosis
Diagnosis, Differential
Retrospective Studies
Ultrasonography
Ureter
Urinary Tract
Urography