What do you expect to find in a non-contrast CT scan for a patient with nephrolithiasis?

In a non-contrast CT scan for a patient with nephrolithiasis, the primary finding you would expect is the presence of kidney stones. Non-contrast CT scans are the gold standard for diagnosing this condition due to their ability to provide clear images of the urinary tract, highlighting the presence of calculi, which are typically radiopaque. This means they clearly appear on the scan as hyperdense areas that stand out against the surrounding tissue.

The imaging technique works effectively because it does not require the use of contrast agents, which may obscure the visibility of stones. Instead, the scan reveals the stones, their size, location, and any potential obstruction they may cause in the urinary system.

While other findings such as fluid accumulation and calcifications can be present in various renal conditions, they are not specific to nephrolithiasis. Soft tissue masses, on the other hand, typically suggest other pathology like tumors rather than stones. Thus, the hallmark of nephrolithiasis visible in non-contrast CT imaging is indeed the identification of kidney stones.