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The Role of Radiological Imaging

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Book cover Urolithiasis

Abstract

X-ray-based imaging modalities of plain films and computerized tomography (CT) are the common modalities used to detect urinary tract calculi. Plain films on their own have a low sensitivity and specificity for the detection of renal stones. Intravenous urograms (IVUs), which are obtained by intravenously injecting iodine-containing organic compounds prior to taking X-ray images, were the mainstay of radiological detection. Several problems were associated with the use of these iodinated compounds. The advent of helical CT has obviated their need in the majority of patients. CT scanning detects renal calculi with a high degree of accuracy. Exposure to ionizing radiation is a concern that needs to be addressed and dose-reduction measures should be employed whenever feasible.

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Correspondence to Zafar Sajjad M.B.B.S., MRCP(UK), FRCR .

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© 2012 Springer-Verlag London

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Sajjad, Z. (2012). The Role of Radiological Imaging. In: Talati, J., Tiselius, HG., Albala, D., YE, Z. (eds) Urolithiasis. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-4387-1_33

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-4387-1_33

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4471-4383-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4471-4387-1

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