B-mode ultrasound versus color Doppler twinkling artifact in detecting kidney stones

J Endourol. 2013 Feb;27(2):149-53. doi: 10.1089/end.2012.0430. Epub 2013 Jan 30.

Abstract

Purpose: To compare color Doppler twinkling artifact and B-mode ultrasonography in detecting kidney stones.

Patients and methods: Nine patients with recent CT scans prospectively underwent B-mode and twinkling artifact color Doppler ultrasonography on a commercial ultrasound machine. Video segments of the upper pole, interpolar area, and lower pole were created, randomized, and independently reviewed by three radiologists. Receiver operator characteristics were determined.

Results: There were 32 stones in 18 kidneys with a mean stone size of 8.9±7.5 mm. B-mode ultrasonography had 71% sensitivity, 48% specificity, 52% positive predictive value, and 68% negative predictive value, while twinkling artifact Doppler ultrasonography had 56% sensitivity, 74% specificity, 62% positive predictive value, and 68% negative predictive value.

Conclusions: When used alone, B-mode is more sensitive, but twinkling artifact is more specific in detecting kidney stones. This information may help users employ twinkling and B-mode to identify stones and developers to improve signal processing to harness the fundamental acoustic differences to ultimately improve stone detection.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Artifacts*
  • Demography
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Kidney Calculi / diagnostic imaging*
  • Kidney Calculi / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • ROC Curve
  • Ultrasonics / methods*
  • Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color / methods*