Unexplained renal colic: what is the utility of IV contrast?

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefit of intravenous (IV) contrast in patients with suspected renal colic and unremarkable unenhanced MDCT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One thousand two hundred and four patients with suspected ureterolithiasis were evaluated with unenhanced MDCT. Seven hundred and eight patients that had additional imaging following IV contrast were our study group. RESULTS: Of the patients, 9.4% (67/708) had abnormalities seen only on contrast-enhanced exams. In 53.1% (376/708) of the patients, no additional finding was identified after IV contrast. CONCLUSION: IV contrast in patients with renal colic is rarely helpful.