State of the art trends in imaging renal of colic

Radiology has a primary role in the work-up of renal colic, both to confirm urolithiasis and to help determine management. The traditional imaging has been conventional radiography and intravenous urogram with multidetector non-contrast-enhanced helical computed tomography (NCECT) now the modality of choice. Nuclear medicine studies for renal colic are done now infrequently at most institutions. Ultrasound (US) is often done, especially in the emergency department, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is promising. Radiation dose reduction is now on everyone’s minds: Lower-dose CT techniques are being tested and used, and US and MR are considered as first modalities of choice in pregnant women and children.