The value of renal scan in acute renal colic--a clinical viewpoint.

The value of emergency room renal scan in acute renal colic was evaluated. Based on obstructive pattern on renal scan, 53 cases were admitted. The results indicate that only in 13 cases (25%) there was a need for further inpatient investigation followed by interventional treatment. In all 13 cases, either elevated fever, impaired renal function or intractable pain were present, in addition to an obstructive renal scan pattern. In the majority (75%) of cases, when there were no adjunctive ominous signs, hospital admission based only on an obstructed renal scan, showed need for conservative therapy only and was rather unjustified.