ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Acute Onset Flank Pain-Suspicion of Stone Disease (Urolithiasis).

Noncontrast CT (NCCT) is the imaging study of choice for initial evaluation of patients with acute onset of flank pain and suspicion of stone disease without known prior stone disease. NCCT can reliably characterize the location and size of an offending ureteral calculus, identify complications, and diagnose alternative etiologies of abdominal pain. Although less sensitive in the detection of stones, ultrasound may have a role in evaluating for signs of obstruction. Radiography potentially has a role, although has been shown to be less sensitive than NCCT. For patients with known disease and recurrent symptoms of urolithiasis, NCCT remains the test of choice for evaluation. In pregnancy, given radiation concerns, ultrasound is recommended as the initial modality of choice with potential role for noncontrast MRI. In scenarios where stone disease suspected and initial NCCT is inconclusive, contrast-enhanced imaging, either with MRI or CT/CT urogram may be appropriate. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision process support the systematic analysis of the medical literature from peer reviewed journals. Established methodology principles such as Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE are adapted to evaluate the evidence. The RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method User Manual provides the methodology to determine the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where peer reviewed literature is lacking or equivocal, experts may be the primary evidentiary source available to formulate a recommendation.

Earlier point-of-care ultrasound, shorter length of stay in patients with acute flank pain.

BACKGROUND: The effects of early integration of point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) into patient care are uncertain. This study aims to investigate the effects of early PoCUS on patients with acute flank pain. METHODS: Adult non-traumatic patients with acute flank pain receiving PoCUS were enrolled. Expert physicians reviewed the medical records and made the "final diagnosis" for the cause of acute flank pain. The primary outcome was the relationship between the door to ultrasound (US) time and length of stay (LOS). The secondary outcomes included the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of the sonographic diagnosis, compared with the final diagnosis. RESULTS: Eight hundred and eighty-eight patients were included in the analysis. Patients receiving early PoCUS (≤120 min) had a shorter LOS (128 vs. 217 min, p < 0.0001). Patients in the late POCUS group (> 120 min) had a trend to receive more CT scans. The disease distribution, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were similar in patients receiving early or late PoCUS for target diagnoses. After adjusting for the confounders, early PoCUS (OR, 2.77, 95% CIs, 1.93-3.98) had a positive impact on shorter LOS. In addition, the effect of early PoCUS became more prominent (OR, 4.91, 95% CIs, 3.39-7.13) on LOS in less than 3 h. CONCLUSIONS: Early integration of PoCUS is significantly related to shorter LOS in patients with acute flank pain without increasing morbidity and mortality. Our results suggested "PoCUS early" in these patients to possibly alleviate emergency department crowding. Trial registration NCT04149041 at the ClinicalTrial.gov.

[A patient with a palpable mass, haematuria and flank pain]. / Een vrouw met een palpabele zwelling, hematurie en flankpijn.

In this case report we present a 54-year-old female with progressive pain in the left flank. Physical examination showed a non-mobile, painless mass in the left upper abdomen. CT revealed an exceptionally large kidney stone. Stone removal (448 g) was performed by hand-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy.

Can obstructive urolithiasis be safely excluded on contrast CT? A retrospective analysis of contrast-enhanced and noncontrast CT.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine if contrast-enhanced CT can safely exclude obstructive urolithiasis in patients with flank plain. We performed a retrospective cohort analysis to compare the negative predictive values of contrast-enhanced and non-contrast CTs for the detection of obstructing urolithiasis. METHODS: Through report analysis, we identified all non-contrast and contrast-enhanced CT examinations of the abdomen and pelvis performed on adult patients in the emergency department at a single, multi-site academic medical institution in 2017 with an indication of flank pain. The prevalence of obstructive urolithiasis in each group was calculated. We subsequently analyzed 200 consecutive studies from each of these groups (reported negative for obstructive urolithiasis) for negative predictive value calculation. Follow up abdominal imaging within 7 days from original presentation was used as a reference standard for analysis. RESULTS: In the noncontrast group, 1 study out of 200 was false negative (negative predictive value = 99.5%). In the contrast-enhanced group, there were no false negatives (negative predictive value = 100%). The prevalence of obstructive urolithiasis was 44.0% (351/797) in the noncontrast group and 18.7% (86/459) in the contrast-enhanced group. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that contrast-enhanced CT can safely exclude obstructing ureteral calculi in the setting of acute flank pain. This finding is of clinical relevance given the inherent benefit of IV contrast in diagnosing abdominopelvic pathology.

SONO case series: 35-year-old male patient with flank pain.

The diagnosis and management of obstructing nephrolithiasis by emergency physicians has undergone great advancements in the past few years. No longer do all patients with suspected renal colic need a CT scan and an immediate urology consult. In this case presentation, we present a classic case of obstructing nephrolithiasis along with the associated point-of-care ultrasound images. We will walk with the reader through a series of questions and answers discussing the patient's diagnosis based on the most current evidence-based recommendations.

Retroperitoneal Fibrosis and its Differential Diagnoses: The Role of Radiological Imaging. / Retroperitoneale Fibrose und ihre Differenzialdiagnosen: Die Rolle der radiologischen Bildgebung.

BACKGROUND: Retroperitoneal fibrosis is a rare disease with an incidence of 0-1/100 000 inhabitants per year and is associated with chronic inflammatory fibrosis of the retroperitoneum and the abdominal aorta. This article sheds light on the role of radiological imaging in retroperitoneal fibrosis, names various differential diagnoses and provides an overview of drug and surgical treatment options. METHODS: A literature search for the keywords "retroperitoneal fibrosis" and "Ormond's disease" was carried out in the PubMed database between January 1, 1995 and December 31, 2019 (n = 1806). Mainly original papers were selected, but also reviews, in English and German language, with a focus on publications in the last 10 years, without excluding older publications that the authors believe are relevant to the topic discussed in the review (n = 40). RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Ormond's disease is a rare but important differential diagnosis for nonspecific back and flank pain. Imaging diagnostics using CT or MRI show a retroperitoneal mass, which must be differentiated from lymphoma, sarcoma, multiple myeloma and Erdheim-Chester disease. Patients have an excellent prognosis under adequate therapy. FDG-PET/CT or FDG-PET/MRT should be considered as potential modalities, as hybrid imaging can evaluate both the morphological changes and the inflammation. KEY POINTS: · Ormond's disease is a differential diagnosis for nonspecific back and flank pain.. · Radiological imaging is essential and the gold standard in the diagnosis and follow-up of RPF.. · Patients have an excellent prognosis under adequate therapy.. CITATION FORMAT: · Peisen F, Thaiss WM, Ekert K et al. Retroperitoneal Fibrosis and its Differential Diagnoses: The Role of Radiological Imaging. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2020; 192: 929 - 936.

Metastasis in mixed epithelial stromal tumour of the kidney: a rare presentation.

Mixed epithelial stromal tumour of the kidney (MESTK) is a rare genitourinary tract tumour. MESTK is typically seen in perimenopausal women and rarely reported in men and children. MESTK has been included in the WHO renal tumour classification since 2004. Here, we present a case of 50-year-old female patient who underwent left radical nephrectomy for left renal mass. Postoperative positron emission tomography (PET) scan also showed nodal metastasis, for which, she was started on chemotherapy.

Renal Calculus in Floating-Harbor Syndrome: A Case Report.

Floating-Harbor syndrome is a rare condition marked by short stature and delayed bone age, characteristic facial features, and speech impairment. Floating-Harbor syndrome commonly results from a sporadic genetic mutation. Renal abnormalities have rarely been encountered. We report the first patient with Floating-Harbor syndrome who spontaneously passed a renal calculus consisting of calcium oxalate monohydrate and calcium oxalate dihydrate. A renal ultrasound showed echotexture within the renal pyramids, hydronephrosis, and a cyst. Pediatric nurse practitioners should be alert to the unique features associated with Floating-Harbor syndrome and be prepared to monitor and treat the renal abnormalities that may accompany this uncommon condition.

Spontaneous perirenal hemorrhage (Wunderlich syndrome): An analysis of 28 cases.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to analyze the characteristics, etiology, and treatment of a series of patients with spontaneous perirenal hemorrhage (Wunderlich syndrome [WS]). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 26 patients hospitalized for WS in a tertiary urological center between 2011 and 2018. All patients were evaluated for perirenal hemorrhage observed on computed tomography (CT) in the emergency department. Clinical variables (age, underlying diseases, symptoms, shock, and hospitalization period), laboratory test results, and radiological and pathological results were reviewed. RESULTS: The series included 28 events from 26 patients with a mean follow-up period of 20.2 ±â€¯18.0 months. Flank pain was most common symptoms (92%). Twelve patients (46%) had visible renal lesions and associated hematoma and 14 only showed perirenal hematoma. In six patients with shock (systolic blood pressure < 90 mm Hg), 2 underwent emergency angioembolization. Twelve patients (46%) underwent exploration and total nephrectomy. In the final diagnosis, 4 cases of renal cell carcinoma, 3 of angiomyolipoma, 4 of simple renal cyst, 2 of acquired cystic kidney disease, 4 of sarcoma or other malignancy, 4 of chronic pyelonephritis, and 5 of idiopathic WS were observed. Patient age was associated with prediction of renal cell carcinoma in the patients with WS. CONCLUSION: Renal masses are the main cause of WS, and CT is the diagnostic procedure of choice. Old age is a possible risk factor for renal cell carcinoma in etiology of WS. Surgical treatment is preferred in patients diagnosed with renal malignancy and in cases of hemodynamic instability.

Incidental bone metastases identified by renal dynamic scintigraphy: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: The Technetium-99m diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (Tc-99m DTPA) renal dynamic scintigraphy is widely used to evaluate the split renal function and continuously demonstrate the whole urinary collecting system. Furthermore, the extrarenal uptake of technetium-99m DTPA can provide useful information for the patients. CASE PRESENTATION: We described a 72-year-old male with a history of flank pain for 8 months and gross hematuria for 3 days. The technetium-99m diethylenetriaminepenta-acetic acid (DTPA) renal dynamic scintigraphy was performed to evaluate the split renal function. Unexpectedly, there were 2 foci of abnormal increased tracer uptake in the midline of the abdomen. The diagnosis of renal cancer was made on the basis of the imaging characteristics on the ultrasonography. The 2 foci with elevated DTPA activity were consistent with bone metastases on the images of computed tomography and magnetic resonance. CONCLUSION: The bone metastasis is one of the etiologies of the extrarenal uptake of technetium-99m DTPA, especially for the patients with several foci.

Large gastric intramural hematoma mimicking a visceral artery aneurysm: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Gastric hematoma is a rare disorder. Here we report a case of a large gastric intramural hematoma mimicking an impending rupture of a visceral artery aneurysm. CASE PRESENTATION: A 60-year-old Japanese woman complained of left flank pain. Computed tomography with intravenously administered contrast agent showed a solid mass of 5 × 5 × 8 centimeter in the left middle abdominal quadrant. On completion of computed tomography, the working diagnosis was an impending rupture of an aneurysm located in a branch of the superior mesenteric artery. Transcatheter arterial embolization was performed, but angiography of the superior mesenteric artery and the inferior mesenteric artery did not indicate extravasation of the contrast agent and we did not observe any aneurysmal structure. We decided to perform surgery. The operational findings revealed that the mass was a gastric intramural hematoma. CONCLUSION: On encountering an intra-abdominal mass found to be attached to a gastric wall, a gastric intramural hematoma should be considered.

A rare presentation of pheochromocytoma in pregnancy: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Early diagnosis of pheochromocytoma and its proper management can lessen its mortality and morbidity. This case report describes a 24-year-old pregnant woman with an unusual presentation of pheochromocytoma. CASE PRESENTATION: An Iranian 24-year-old primigravid woman from Kordistan province was referred to our center with left flank pain at 37 weeks of gestation. She had a history of gestational diabetes mellitus since the 12th week of gestation which was managed by insulin administration. She also had a history of pulsatile bi-temporal headache for 2 years prior to her referral to us. She underwent complete abdominal and pelvic ultrasound imaging for her flank pain. This examination revealed a heterogeneous mass of 119 × 87 × 79 mm above her left kidney, highly suspicious of being an adrenal-originating tumor. Subsequently, we consulted an endocrinologist. She underwent abdominopelvic magnetic resonance imaging and her 24-hour urine metanephrine, normetanephrine, and vanillylmandelic acid were assessed. Finally, the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma was confirmed. She underwent a cesarean section and adrenal mass excision at the 40th week of gestation. This timely diagnosis resulted in her proper management and good maternal and neonatal treatment outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Our patient had pheochromocytoma during pregnancy. She had no complaints about hypertension before or during pregnancy until giving birth to her child; her only symptoms were a vague left flank pain, gestational diabetes, and headaches for the past 2 years. The unusual symptom of flank pain led to timely diagnosis and a good treatment outcome.

Acute Nonhemorrhagic Adrenal Infarction in Pregnancy: 10-Year MRI Incidence and Patient Outcomes at a Single Institution.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to retrospectively investigate the MRI incidence of nonhemorrhagic adrenal infarction in pregnant women undergoing MRI evaluation of acute abdominal or flank pain, assess the MRI features quantitatively, and report patient outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All abdominal MRI examinations of pregnant women with acute pain at one institution from May 2005 to April 2015 were reviewed. The adrenals were evaluated for abnormal morphologic and signal intensity characteristics described in the literature characterizing nonhemorrhagic adrenal infarction and were compared with the contralateral adrenal by paired t tests. The findings were correlated with clinical presentation. Patient demographics and outcomes were gathered from the medical record. RESULTS: Findings of nonhemorrhagic adrenal infarction were present in 5 of 379 (1.3%) examinations of four pregnant patients (mean age, 28 years; range, 20.8-33.9 years; mean gestational age, 26 weeks; range, 16-35 weeks). MRI features included lengthening (mean, 39.8 versus 21.2 mm) (p = 0.005) and increased T2 signal intensity (p = 0.001) of the infarcted adrenal with surrounding edema and without T1 signal intensity suggesting hemorrhage. No alternative diagnosis was identified. All patients presented with severe acute abdominal or flank pain on the same side as the MRI findings, tenderness to palpation, and mild leukocytosis. All women delivered healthy infants. CONCLUSION: Unilateral nonhemorrhagic adrenal infarction was identified in 1.3% of abdominal MRI examinations performed for pregnant women with acute abdominal or flank pain. Knowledge of the MRI characteristics of this entity is important for recognizing it and may prevent further potentially invasive tests, procedures, or missed diagnoses.

Acute renal artery infarction secondary to dysfibrinogenemia.

Renal infarction is a rare occurrence accounting for 0.007% of patients seen in the emergency department for renal insufficiency or hypertension. Dysfibrinogenemia is also rare, and the combination of renal artery infarct in the setting of congenital dysfibrinogenemia has not been described in the literature. Our patient, with a remote history of congenital dysfibrinogenemia with no known haemorrhagic or thrombotic complications, presented with acute flank pain and was subsequently diagnosed with an acute renal arterial infarction. He was treated with subcutaneous enoxaparin and then transitioned to lifelong anticoagulation with rivaroxaban therapy.

Urolithiasis secondary to primary obstructive megaureter in an adult: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Primary obstructive megaureter is relatively uncommon in adults. This condition usually regresses spontaneously or is treated during infancy. It can remain asymptomatic for decades until adulthood when symptoms may manifest in the event of complications or during a routine radiologic imaging. Primary obstructive megaureter has been reported to favor stone formation in the upper urinary tract. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 35-year-old Moroccan man who had a 10-year history of intermittent left flank pain and hematuria. A computed tomography urogram revealed a left megaureter with giant ureteral and renal calculi. CONCLUSIONS: Primary obstructive megaureter should be a differential diagnosis in an adult with hydroureteronephrosis associated with urolithiasis especially when there is kidney impairment. Through this case report we will discuss the diagnosis and management of primary obstructive megaureter associated with urolithiasis in adults.