Sonographic Mimics of Renal Calculi

OBJECTIVES: To review sonographic findings that can mimic renal calculi. METHODS: We comment on a number of echoes that can mimic renal calculi. RESULTS: There are a number of sonographic renal artifacts, vascular and nonvascular, that may confound a correct diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Awareness of these potential artifacts will result in a more specific sonographic examination and will accurately guide the referring physician toward appropriate patient treatment. The importance of other imaging modalities is also emphasized to ensure that a correct diagnosis is obtained whenever the sonographic findings are inconclusive.