Non-contrast CT abdomen/pelvis for suspected nephrolithiasis images which regions?

• A. Abdomen and pelvis
• B. Chest and abdomen
• C. Head and neck
• D. Pelvis only

Answer: (A)

When nephrolithiasis is suspected, imaging focuses on the entire urinary tract—kidneys, ureters, and bladder. A non-contrast CT of the abdomen/pelvis is used precisely because it can detect stones anywhere along this path without the interference of contrast. To accomplish that, the scan range must cover both the abdomen (where the kidneys and upper ureters lie) and the pelvis (where the lower ureters and bladder are). That’s why imaging the abdomen and pelvis together is the correct choice. Imaging only the chest/head would miss the urinary tract stones, and focusing on pelvis alone could miss stones higher up in the kidneys or upper ureters.