The Role of Plain Radiograph and Ultrasound in the Diagnosis of Renal Tract Calculi

Abstract

Introduction: Renal tract calculi is one of the most common problem among adults in Bangladesh. Plain radiograph and ultrasound both are the important tools for diagnosis of these calculi but efficacy may be varying due to different factors. Objective: To find out the effectiveness of plain radiograph and ultrasound to diagnose renal tract calculi. Methodology: This prospective observational study was done for the period of 24 months, from July 2013 to June 2015 in the department of radiology and imaging and department of urology at Dhaka medical College Hospital (DMCH) among 50 purposively selected patients. Data were collected by reviewing patients’ record and face to face interview. Then data were analyzed and presented accordingly. Results: Mean age of the respondents was 43.70±9.75 years and about 18(36.0%) of them belonged 41-50 years’ age group. Most (46.0%) of the respondents were farmer. Regarding clinical feature 36(72.0%) had abdominal pain, 21(42%) had urinary tract infection and 9(18.0%) had hematuria. Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of plain radiograph was 86.66%, 20.0% and 80.0% for diagnosing renal tract calculi. Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of ultrasound and combination of both were 91.11%, 40.0%, 86.0% and 97.78%, 60.0% & 94.0% respectively. Conclusion: Ultrasound and plain radiograph both are cheap, easily available, non-invasive and useful methods for effectively diagnosis of renal tract calculi.