The use of ultrasound in assessing acute renal pain caused by pregnancy

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Acute renal pain or renal colic is an abdominal emergency that can occur during pregnancy and have severe maternal and foetal adverse effects. Ultrasonography can help to evaluate for the cause of renal pain either obstructive or non-obstructive. It can help to localize the site of obstruction and can accurately estimate the size of stones. Aim of the work: The purpose of this study was to evaluate and assess the prevalence of various etiologies that could lead to acute renal pain during pregnancy among our study group using ultrasound. Methodology:Observational retrospective study in which 87 pregnant females attended to a private ultrasound clinic, all were complaining of severe back pain, their age ranged from 18 to 38 years with the mean age being 28 years. All were subjected to abdominal and obstetric ultrasound exams in addition to clinical and laboratory evaluation. Results: There were 87 pregnant women who experienced acute renal pain. 84 patients presented with hydronephrotic changes and 3 patients showed no dilation of pelvicalyceal systems. Among them hydroureteronephrosis with secondary pyeloureteritis observed in 65cases (75%). Renal stones were detected in 22 cases and 1 case was detected with adult polycystic kidney disease. Conclusion :To evaluate the etiology of renal pain during pregnancy and guide management options, ultrasound is a useful and safe imaging modality. Management of acute renal pain with pregnancy is essential to prevent obstetric or maternal complications, it can be conservative medical and expectant in many cases, with few cases may recommend surgical intervention.