Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Kidney stone CT
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Abdominal and pelvic CT scan is helpful in the diagnosis of nephrolithiasis. Findings on CT scan diagnostic of nephrolithiasis include radiopacity showing the location, density and composition of stones calcium oxalate +/- calcium phosphate: 400-600 HU, struvite (triple phosphate): usually opaque but variable, pure calcium phosphate 400-600 HU, uric acid: 100-200 HU and cystine: opaque.
CT scan
CT scan
- Abdominal and pelvic CT scan may be helpful in the diagnosis of nephrolithiasis. Findings on CT scan diagnostic of nephrolithiasis include:
- Radiopacity showing the location, density and composition of stones:
- Calcium oxalate +/- calcium phosphate: 400-600 HU
- Struvite (triple phosphate): usually opaque but variable
- Pure calcium phosphate: 400-600 HU
- Uric acid: 100-200 HU
- Cystine: opaque
- Radiopacity showing the location, density and composition of stones:
Patient #1: CT Image Demonstrates a Jackstone Calculus
Patient #2: CT Images Demonstrates Bilateral Staghorn Calculi
Patient #3: CT Images Demonstrates Left-sided Staghorn Calculi
References
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Amandeep Singh M.D.[2]