Document Detail


Normal ureter size on unenhanced helical CT.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  15039184     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
OBJECTIVE: Unenhanced helical CT is the imaging method of choice when evaluating patients with acute flank pain and suspected ureterolithiasis. In addition to directly identifying stones in the lumen of the ureter, CT secondary signs of obstruction such as ureteral dilatation are frequently present and can be helpful in establishing a diagnosis. The purposes of this study were to define ureteral dilatation on unenhanced helical CT and determine the range of normal ureter size. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the unenhanced helical CT studies of 212 consecutive patients with acute flank pain whose CT scans showed acute ureterolithiasis. The size of the ureter was determined on the asymptomatic side as well as on the obstructed side. Mean ureteral diameter was determined as the largest transverse dimension along the course of the ureter beginning 1-2 cm below the ureteropelvic junction. RESULTS: The mean size of ureters on the asymptomatic side was 1.8 mm with a standard deviation (SD) of 0.9 mm. The mean size of ureters on the obstructed side was 7 mm with an SD of 3.2 mm. In 96% of patients, the ureter diameter on the asymptomatic side was 3 mm or smaller. CONCLUSION: Three millimeters should be considered the upper limit of normal size for nonobstructed ureters on unenhanced helical CT.
Authors:
Natalie Zelenko; Deidre Coll; Arthur T Rosenfeld; Robert C Smith
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Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article    
Journal Detail:
Title:  AJR. American journal of roentgenology     Volume:  182     ISSN:  0361-803X     ISO Abbreviation:  AJR Am J Roentgenol     Publication Date:  2004 Apr 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2004-03-24     Completed Date:  2004-05-13     Revised Date:  2008-02-15    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  7708173     Medline TA:  AJR Am J Roentgenol     Country:  United States    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  1039-41     Citation Subset:  AIM; IM    
Affiliation:
Weill Medical College of Cornell University, 420 E 70th St., New York, NY 10021, USA. nam2001@med.cornel.edu
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Dilatation, Pathologic / radiography
Flank Pain / etiology,  radiography
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Reference Values
Retrospective Studies
Tomography, Spiral Computed*
Ureter / pathology*,  radiography*
Ureteral Calculi / complications,  radiography*
Ureteral Obstruction / etiology,  radiography*

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