The cause of radiolucent filling defects in the upper urinary tract are malignant tumor, radiolucent stones, blood clots, air bubbles, congenital deformities of renal parenchyme, and various specific and non-specific infection and their sequence.
So the
differential diagnosis between malignancy and radiolucent stones is very important, and the exact and fast diagnosis of radiolucent stones is useful in excluding the possibility of malignancy.
27 cases with radiolucent stones were evaluated retrospectively for exact diagnosis and appropriate treatment method. Intravenous urography was done in all cases, and retrograde pyelography, ultrasonography, computed tomography and/or
ureterorenoscopy
were performed for diagnosis, if needed. Size of stones were measured below 10mm by transverse length in 19 cases(70.4%) with a range of 3 to 30mm. The locations of stones were pelvicalyceal system in 8 cases (29.6%) and ureter in 19
cases(70.4%).
Among
the diagnostic methods, computed tomography was used most frequently. ESWL with retrograde pyelography was most frequent used method of treatment, also simple hydration to small was effective.
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