Emergency department non-contrast computed tomography for suspicion of obstructive urolithiasis: Yield and consequences.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to analyze patterns of referral, yield, and clinical implications of non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT) in the acute evaluation of flank pain suspected as obstructive urolithiasis (OU) in a high-volume emergency department (ED). METHODS: The study comprised 506 consecutive NCCTs performed in the ED over four months. Detection rates of OU, incidental, and alternative findings were calculated. Imaging signs suspicious for recent passage of stones were considered positive for OU, while renal stones without signs of obstruction were considered unrelated to the acute presentation. OU, other findings requiring hospitalization, and incidental findings warranting further workup were considered situations in which NCCTs were warranted. RESULTS: NCCTs confirmed an OU diagnosis in 162 (32%) patients and non-clinically significant nephrolithiasis in 125 (25%). They revealed other findings in 108 (21%) patients, including 42 (8%) with clinically significant incidental findings and 26 (5%) with alternative diagnoses requiring hospitalization. NCCTs were entirely negative in 111 (22%) patients. Corroboration of these outcomes, together with overlapping of OU, incidental, and alternative significant findings in some patients resulted in an overall justified NCCT request rate of 44%. CONCLUSIONS: The yield of NCCT performed in acute presentations of flank pain suspected as OU is relatively low, and over one-half of the scans are unwarranted. The pattern of requesting NCCT in the ED needs refinement to avoid abuse that may lead to radiation overexposure, psychological burden, physical harm, and financial overload.

Histopathologic Differences between Jewish and Arab Population in Israel at First-Time Presentation with Bladder Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Pathology of urothelial carcinoma may vary in different populations at diagnosis. Our aim was to evaluate the histopathologic differences between Jewish and Arab patients in Israel at first diagnosis of urothelial cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively collected data of all patients with confirmed urothelial cancer, treated at our department between January 2010 and January 2015. We examined the distribution of the histopathologic data among the studied populations. To compare the categorical variables we used the Chi-Square Pearson test. Comparison of independent variables was made by Student's t-test. P value below 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: The study group included 413 patients, 345 Jews and 68 Arabs. The major differences were that Arab patients were younger (62.61 versus 68.55 years, P = 0.001), had more aggressive tumors that were detected at a more advanced stage, and had also a higher rate of metastatic disease (7.4% versus 3.2%, P = 0.05). Nonurothelial cell tumors were 2.3 times more prevalent in Arab population. Unlike Jewish population, Arab women had higher rate of invasive/metastatic disease compared with Arab men (40% versus 22.4%). CONCLUSION: At time of diagnosis the tumors were more aggressive in Arab patients, especially in Arab women. The reasons for those differences constitute a target for a separate research. These results should have an impact on prevention medicine and education of physicians treating mixed populations.

Giant Congenital Hydronephrosis Obstructing the Gastro Intestinal System and the Contralateral Kidney in a New Born.

A 5 day old baby, with known left hydronephrosis which discovered by prenatal US presented with gastrointestinal tract obstruction. Laboratory work up demonstrated abnormal renal function and metabolic acidosis combined with hyperkalemia. Radiology tests showed bilateral hydronephrosis with huge left renal pelvis crossing the midline and causing deviation of the gut laterally. This acute presentation beside inability to receive oral feeding made us prefer immediate left renal drainage with pyelostomy in order to restore renal function, relieve the pressure effect of the huge renal pelvis and stabilize the baby. Dismembered pyeloplasty was done at age of 3 months.