https://doi.org/10.4081/aiua.2024.12523
Exploring the potential of combined B-mode features and color Doppler ultrasound in the diagnosis of ureteric stone as an alternative to ionizing radiation exposure by computed tomography
Submitted: March 31, 2024
Accepted: April 11, 2024
Published: June 27, 2024
Accepted: April 11, 2024
Abstract Views: 874
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All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.
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Objective: To assess the diagnostic efficacy of integrating B-mode and color Doppler capabilities of ultrasound (US) to establish a robust standalone diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of ureteric stones as an alternative to non-contrast-enhanced computed tomography (NCCT).
Methods: A total of 140 consecutive patients diagnosed with ureteric stones using NCCT were enrolled. On the same day, US in both B-mode and Color Doppler was performed by an experienced radiologist who was blinded to the NCCT scan results. The diagnostic rate of US for stone detection was recorded. Additionally, baseline patient and stone characteristics were analyzed for their association with the accuracy of stone detection using US.
Results: US exhibited a high sensitivity of 91.43%, detecting 128 out of 140 stone foci. Notably, ureteric stones in the proximal and uretero-vesical junction (UVJ) segments were readily identifiable compared to those in the pelvic region (p = 0.0003). Additionally, hydronephrosis enhanced the US's ability to detect stones (p < 0.0001). Conversely, abdominal gases and obesity adversely affected US capabilities (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.009, respectively). Stone side, size, and density showed no statistically significant impact (p > 0.05).
Conclusions: US with its color Doppler capabilities could serve as a reliable and safe alternative imaging modality in the diagnostic work up of patients with ureterolithiasis. Factors including stone location, Hydronephrosis, weight and abdominal gases significantly influenced its accuracy.
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How to Cite
Abdel Gawad, A. M., Moustafa, B.-E. A., Abouelgreed, T. A., Elnady, E. A., Khater, S., Rehan, M., Elebiary, M. F., Fathy, B. A., Shaalan, A., Ramadan, N., Hindawy, M., & Abdelkader, S. F. (2024). Exploring the potential of combined B-mode features and color Doppler ultrasound in the diagnosis of ureteric stone as an alternative to ionizing radiation exposure by computed tomography. Archivio Italiano Di Urologia E Andrologia, 96(2). https://doi.org/10.4081/aiua.2024.12523
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