Abstract
Background
This review provides practicing emergency physicians updated information regarding
point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) imaging of patients with suspected urolithiasis.
Methods
A PubMed literature search was conducted for articles published between January 1,
1996 and May 31, 2017 and limited to human clinical trials written in English with
relevant keywords. High-quality studies identified then underwent a structured review.
Recommendations herein are made based on the literature review.
Results
Two hundred seventy-two abstracts fulfilling the search criteria were screened and
10 appropriate articles were rigorously reviewed in detail. There were 8 prospective
studies and 2 retrospective studies. Only 1 of them was a multi-institutional randomized
trial. POCUS performed in the emergency department (ED) is moderately sensitive and
specific in making the diagnosis of urolithiasis in symptomatic patients. Suspected
urolithiasis patients evaluated initially with ED POCUS have complication rates compatible
with those evaluated initially with computed tomography.
Conclusions
POCUS has moderate accuracy in making the diagnosis of urolithiasis. Nevertheless,
it may be safely used as a first line of imaging in ED patients with suspected symptomatic
urolithiaisis.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: October 28, 2017
Footnotes
Reprints are not available from the authors.
Identification
Copyright
© 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
