Usefulness of multi-slice CT for radiolucent urinary calculi

This study was performed to investigate the usefulness of multi-slice CT (MS-CT) for radiolucent calculi. Coronary section images were generated by the multi-planar reconstruction (MPR) and maximum intensity projection (MIP) methods. After identifying the calculus itself on the images, we investigated the degree of depiction of the surrounding organs. The calculus could be identified in all 12 patients with radiolucent urinary calculus. MIP images were suitable for understanding whole calculi. MPR image were generally superior in depicting micro-calculi and facilitating our understanding of their positional relationship with the surrounding organs. The condition of hydroureter could also be depicted, and the use of contrast medium was considered unnecessary. (author)