Most people don’t know that kidney stones are actually quite common, along with being incredibly painful. They are small deposits that are hard calcium-based minerals that form in your kidneys and can lead to excruciating pain, extreme nausea, and urinary tract infections. The good news, however, is that diagnosing these stones has gotten easier over the years. Thanks to ultrasound machines and CT scans, doctors can now test and confirm if one has kidney stones with speed and precision.
With all of that info, one may ask: why undergo a CT scan and not an ultrasound, or vise-versa? What can one undergo from these tests? Moreover, how are the things being tested actually functioning? Let’s dive right into answering these questions.
What Are Kidney Stones?
It is important to understand the term kidney stones before going what’s the best method to find out if they exist. Kidney stones are crystallized accumulations of minerals and salts which are also known as renal calculi. Each crystal has a size, some the size of grains and sand while others can match golf balls. They can travel through the urinary tract or could get stuck, which results in a lot of pain and other difficulties too.
Symptoms that are commonly observed include:
- Intense pain in the lower back and side.
- Presence of blood in urine.
- Urine frequency changes are accompanied by pain.
- Extreme Vomiting and nausea.
These aligned with other illnesses imaging tests are important in assuring an effective and precise diagnosis.
Why Is Imaging Necessary For Diagnosis?
Just like other health problems, kidney stones don’t only appear in blood or urine tests. Blood and urine tests are not sufficient kidney stones. That’s where ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) scans come in.
Each method has its own strengths, and your doctor will choose the most appropriate one depending on your symptoms, age, kidney function, and even how likely you are to be exposed to radiation.
Ultrasound: First-Line, Safe Non-Invasive
An ultrasound is the first test that checks the kidneys and other parts of the urinary system. This is done by using sound waves. It is commonly the first imaging test performed especially for people who need to irradiate them such as pregnant women or young people.
The pros of Ultrasound include:
- Exposure to no radiation
- Only takes a few minutes and painless
- Cost effective
- Can determine hydronephrosis (swelling of the kidney due to blockage)
Limitations:
- Small stones, especially in ureters, are most likely to be missed
- Not a very accurate determination of small obscure stones compared to CT scan.
In many instances, ultrasound is employed as a screening technique as seen in emergencies. Further testing, including CT scans, may be recommended as elucidation.
CT Scan: Gold Standard for Diagnosing Kidney Stones
A CT scan without contrast (meaning requiring dye injection) is the primary method of checking for kidney stones and is considered the most accurate. This scan provides an uncluttered and all-encompassing image of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder.
Advantages of CT Scan:
- Highly accurate – able to identify even the smallest stones
- Can identify stone size, location, density, and even signs of obstruction
- Fast results: done within minutes
- Can identify other potential causes of abdominal pain
Limitations:
- Radiation exposure – though newer low radiation CT options are safer,
- Mounting costs in comparison to an ultrasound
- Not recommended as first-line test for some patients (such as pregnant women)
The detailed information CT’s offer often outweighs the negatives, and are required in situations that need immediate and precise diagnosis.
Ultrasound vs. CT Scan: What’s Right for You?
| Feature | Ultrasound | CT Scan |
| Radiation Exposure | No | Yes (but can be low-dose) |
| Accuracy | Moderate | High |
| Speed | Quick | Very fast |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Use Case | First-line test, pregnancy, children | Emergency, detailed assessment |
Your doctor might start with an ultrasound and follow up with a CT scan if the results are unclear or if your symptoms are severe.
How To Decide Which Test First?
The choice is governed by a number of criteria:
- Degree of symptomatics
- Prior history of kidney stones
- Age and gender of patient
- Worries of radiation
- Availability of the imaging machine
While time-sensitive, emergency departments will lean towards the CT scans, but for routine testing especially monitoring known stones, ultrasounds tend to be used more often.
All Things Considered: Imaging Has A Crucial Impact
A patient’s imaging findings have a major impact on determining whether or not kidney stones are present. It reassures the patient of the stones’ existence and assists the urologist in devising the most appropriate treatment plan. The plan may include drinking fluids to aid stone passage, using medications, or even surgery.
Both ultrasound and CT diagnostic scans serve important purposes. Ultrasound provides a safer and more accessible option, while CT scans corroborate every detail with surgical-level precision. Your doctor can obtain a synergy of exact information through their combination.
Need A Skilled Professional?
If you know somebody suffering from renal colic or any other clinical features of kidney stones, it is advisable to not postpone obtaining a working diagnosis. Don’t wait to perform the right steps such as obtaining the right imaging modality within the right timeframe to avert potential complications.
Dr. Deepanshu Gupta is a well-renowned urologist in Gurgaon & Delhi NCR, well known for his accurate diagnoses and advanced methods for treating urological conditions. He offers imaging and minimally invasive surgical treatment for stones, so whether it’s a new problem or a long-standing kidney stone, you can, in fact, go worry-free knowing that you are in the right hands.
Over the past 12+ years, he has completed over 9500 endoscopic surgeries and is exceptionally focused on providing advanced urological treatments to everyone at a very low-cost.
What sets him apart?
- He is the Fastest RIRS Surgeon in North with Exceptional Results.
- He can effectively remove any form of Kidney stones.
- Fluoroscopy-free RIRS – an evolved technique of removing kidney stones with minimal fluoroscopy.
Schedule your appointment now and be on the journey to pain relief!