Implications of Changing from Intravenous Urography to Computed Tomography as the Primary Imaging Modality for Acute Renal Colic

Abstract

Several studies have shown that unenhanced computed tomography (CT), while having a similar specificity to intravenous urography (IVU) for detecting ureterolithiasis, has a much higher sensitivity. CT is also more effective in identifying alternative pathologies and is known to be a much quicker investigation to perform. Additionally, CT can be used in patients with renal impairment and carries no risk of contrast reaction.