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World J Nephrol. Nov 6, 2014; 3(4): 282-286
Published online Nov 6, 2014. doi: 10.5527/wjn.v3.i4.282
Usefulness of hounsfield unit and density in the assessment and treatment of urinary stones
Adnan Gücük, Uğur Üyetürk
Adnan Gücük, Uğur Üyetürk, Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Abant Izzet Baysal University, 14280 Bolu, Turkey
Author contributions: Gücük A performed majority of experiments and designed, wrote the manuscript; Üyetürk U provided vital reagent and analytical tools.
Correspondence to: Dr. Adnan Gücük, Associate Professor, Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Abant Izzet Baysal University, Gölköy Kampüsü, 14280 Bolu, Turkey. gucukadnan@hotmail.com
Telephone: +90-505-6748193 Fax: +90-374-2534615
Received: June 22, 2014
Revised: July 24, 2014
Accepted: September 6, 2014
Published online: November 6, 2014
Core Tip

Core tip: Hounsfield units provide information not only for the diagnosis of urinary system tumors but also regarding a number of properties of urinary stones. Computed tomography is currently used most commonly to predict the type of stone and assess the potential efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy treatment. However, it might also assist urologists to decide which of percutaneous nephrolithotomy, ureterorenoscopic ureterolithotripsy, and medical expulsive treatment should be used to treat a patient.