MSCT renal stone protocol; dose penalty and influence on management decision of patients: Is it really worth the radiation dose?

Purpose of this study to evaluate the usefulness of low dose CT renal stone protocol as a prime and sole diagnostic tool for assessment of patient with renal colic in consideration with dose penalty and comparing with other radiological procedures for the timing and decision of line of management.MethodsIn a period of 36 months between June 2010 and June 2013, a total of 1500 cases admitted to emergency department were subjected to CT examination of the abdomen and pelvis for investigation of urinary complaint.ResultsPatients ages ranged between 15 and 77 years with average age of 38 ± 2.4 years. Most of the patients were males with a ratio of 7:3. There is a statically significant difference regarding radiation dose between regular and low dose techniques with no difference in stone detectability.There was a statistically significant difference regarding the time needed for intervention between CT and combined US/X-ray.ConclusionsConsidering time is of the essence; MSCT renal stone protocol using low dose technique is crucial in the management of renal stone in acute setting including the diagnosis and management decision.