Nephrolithiasis
Nephrolithiasis is the medical term for kidney stones forming in the kidneys or urinary tract.
When to get help quickly: Urgent review is important if pain is severe, fever is present, urine output drops, vomiting is persistent, or the person feels weak or dehydrated.
Common symptoms
Symptoms may include severe pain in the side, back, lower abdomen, or groin, blood in the urine, nausea, vomiting, and pain when passing urine.
When imaging helps
Imaging helps confirm that a stone is present, show where it is, and check whether urine flow is blocked or infection has developed.
What radiology does
CT is often the most sensitive test, while ultrasound may be used for selected patients or follow-up imaging.
What usually happens next
Treatment depends on stone size, location, symptoms, and whether there is obstruction or infection.
Seen this on your report?
Your doctor or the radiologist who wrote it can tell you what it means for you.