Alternate and incidental diagnoses on noncontrast-enhanced spiral computed tomography for acute flank pain.

Introduction: Our aim was to determine the incidence and spectrum of significant alternate or incidental diagnoses established or suggested on spiral computed tomography (CT) in a large series of patients with suspected renal colic.

Materials And Methods: Records of all patients that had undergone spiral CT (5-mm to 7-mm slice thickness) for acute flank pain during a 5-year period were reviewed. The radiological diagnoses of urinary calculi and obstruction as well as clinical entities not suspected otherwise were analyzed.