Kidney Stones (Nephrolithiasis): What It Means on Your Ultrasound

Renal lithiasis appears often in reports. Here is what it is.

What kidney stones are

They are stones in the kidney. "Litho" = stone. Also called nephrolithiasis.

How they look

As bright (echogenic) foci with an acoustic shadow behind them, like other stones in the body.

Signs and complications

They can be silent or cause renal colic (severe flank pain). If they obstruct, they can cause hydronephrosis.

The method's view

Ultrasound lets you see the kidneys and their collecting system directly.

Educational content to help you understand your report. Not a diagnosis and not a substitute for your doctor/radiologist, who sees the full image.