Pitfalls
- Stone disease is relatively uncommon in childhood. It may present with haematuria without flank pain
- Although stones are seen in metabolic conditions such as oxalosis, the majority of stones are calcium based
- Infection must be detected in cases of complete obstruction (see standing column of contrast IVU here) and if hydronephrosis develops nephrostomy inserted urgently
- IVU has a lower sensitivity for detecting stones and does not assist in visualising alternative diagnoses
- Opiates appear to cause more side effects than NSAIDS, and NSAIDS appear as effective in pain relief as opiates
- Limited pyuria is commonly seen in association with ureteric colic
- 1 in 10 cases renal colic do not have haematuria