Can Computerized Hounsfield Unit Estimation Be Used as Predictor for Ureteric Stone Localization by Fluoroscopy during Extra Corporal Shock Wave Lithotripsy and Ureteroscopy?

Current minimally invasive interventions for ureteric stones involve either ESWL or Ureteroscopy and stone localization is mandatory for successful treatment in both. Objectives: To avoid doing KUB radiograph before ESWL routinely by correlating the stone attenuation value on CT KUB with stone visualization at fluoroscopy. Methods: This is a prospective cross sectional hospital based, Multicentric study carried out on 1010 patients with ureteric stones in Sudan from August 2014 to March 2016. Results: Mean stone density in HU was 704.45 ± 300 (SD) ranging (81 - 1873) HU. All of the stones were localized using fluoroscopy and only 26.5% of them were not seen under fluoroscopy. I.V contrast was used mostly, and also mainly in the upper ureter. More than 80% of the application of contrast through the ureteric catheter was in the lower ureteric stones. 91.2% of patients with stone density ≤ 400 HU failed to appear at fluoroscopy and therefore 400 HU attenuation value can be used as a cut-off level to request doing KUB before ESWL and Ureteroscopy. Conclusion: the ureteric stones with density ≤400 HU the likelihood of being non-visualized at fluoroscopy is 91.2% therefore if the stone has ≤400 HU at CT KUB it is mandatory to do KUB before treatment above that it is most likely to be seen at fluoroscopy and no need to request KUB for them before ESWL or URS. 1) Inclusion Criteria: All patients diagnosed by CT scan to have ureteric stones for ESWL or Ureteroscopy. 2) Exclusion Criteria: Patients for whom treatment of ureteric stone by ESWL or ureteroscopy is not indicated like severe infection or poor kidney function where nephrectomy is needed.