Background
The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of ureteral wall thickness (UWT) in predicting
spontaneous stone passage (SSP) in the case of acute ureteral calculi (AUC). Furthermore, factors
that may affect UWT have been analysed to better understand the stone impaction markers.
Methods:
A prospective and multi-central cohort study that enrolled patients with unilateral and
uncomplicated AUC from August 2021 to January 2022. Demographic, clinical, and radiological
data based on noncontrast CT (NCCT) were correlated. The clinical outcome in view of SSP was
studied in correlation to UWT ≤ 2.3. In addition, direct and indirect radiological variables based on
NCCT were correlated to UWT.
Results:
One hundred forty-two patients were included. 65 (46%) patients were treated with (SSP). 60 (55%)
patients with UWT ≤ 2.3 pass stones spontaneously, compared to only 5 (15%) patients with UWT
> 2.3 (p < 0.001). Direct stone characteristics such as stone maximum diameter, ureteric stone
volume and stone density are significantly associated with UWT ≤ 2.3(5.8 mm [4–8], 0.07 cm 3
[0.03-0.23], 710 HU [500-1029.5] respectively) (p<0.001). In addition, the anterior-posterior (AP)
diameter of the renal pelvis of 1.5 [1.15-2.1] is significantly associated with UWT ≤ 2.3 (p < 0.05).
Other indirect stone characteristics, such as renal pelvis fluid density, grade of perinephric
stranding, and the presence of extrarenal pelvis, are not significantly associated with UWT>2.3 (p >
0.05).
Conclusions:
UWT ≤ 2.3 is a strong predictor of SSP in AUC. Stone maximum diameter, stone volume, and HU
density strongly affect UWT. The AP diameter of the renal pelvis also indirectly affects UWT.
Keywords: Acute ureteral colic (AUC), ureteral wall thickness (UWT), Medical expulsive therapy
(MET), spontaneous stone passage (SSP).

Conference Title

20th urological association of Asia congress 2023

Conference Country

United Arab Emirates

Conference Date

Sept. 28, 2023 - Oct. 1, 2023

Conference Sponsor

-

Additional Info

Conference Website