ObjectiveTo compare the difference in mean stone size, as measured on bone window vs standard soft-tissue window setting using multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) in patients with a solitary ureteric stone.Patients and methodsIn all, 60 patients presenting to the emergency and outpatient departments of a University Hospital from May 2015 to October 2015 and fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included in the study. A 64-slice MDCT was used to assess the locations and size of the ureteric stones. A consultant radiologist independently analysed the MDCT scans of all the patients. The mean difference in stone size was calculated between both window settings in axial and coronal planes.ResultsThe mean (SD) age of the patients was 37.13 (11.9) years. Males constituted ∼68% of the cohort and 32% were female. In all, 85% of the patients had left ureteric stones and 15% had right ureteric stones. The mean (SD) stone size, as measured on the soft-tissue window setting was 6.68 (2.01) mm, and on the bone window setting was 4.8 (1.9) mm. The mean (SD) difference in stone size between the two window settings was +1.85 (0.55) mm. The two means were compared using Student’s t-test, and the difference was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe stone size measured using the soft-tissue window setting on a MDCT is significantly different from the measurement on the bone window setting.

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a common urological procedure performed for complicated upper urinary tract stones. The advantages of PCNL include lower morbidity and mortality rates and quicker recovery compared to traditional open surgery. A number of complications have been reported which can be life threatening. Here we present a case of 71 years old lady, who developed subcutaneous emphysema following PCNL.

Background: Renal and ureteric stones (RS) can form due to genetic, metabolic, environmental, and diet-hydration related factors. Studies have shown that patients with family history (FH) of RS have higher likelihood of recurrence. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study on 114 pedigrees to investigate the impact of FH on recurrence of RS and examine patterns of inheritance. Results: Family history of renal stone disease was found in 42% of all patients. There was a significant increase of stone recurrence in RS patients with a positive FH (p=0.001). Seventy-one percent of patients with recurrent stones had at least one family member with RS. Interestingly, male penetrance was higher in RS recurrence, where a greater proportion of males had no FH of RS, indicating that there may be other factors involved as well. Conclusion: Family history in RS patients should be continuously explored for the possible underlying genetic influence, whilst keeping in mind the dietary habits of the family.