Evaluation of the usefulness of costovertebral angle tenderness in patients with suspected ureteral stone

Abstract

Abstract Background The usefulness of costovertebral angle (CVA) tenderness for the diagnosis of a suspected ureteral stone remains controversial. Methods This single‐center, retrospective, observational study included patients aged 16–64 years with acute‐onset unilateral lower back pain or abdominal pain. The diagnostic accuracy of CVA tenderness was investigated. Results In total, 132 patients met the criteria; 80 were diagnosed with ureteral stones. The sensitivity and specificity of CVA tenderness were 0.65 and 0.50, respectively; positive and negative likelihood ratios were 1.3 and 0.7, respectively. Conclusions CVA tenderness cannot be used as a single diagnostic indicator to confirm or exclude ureteral stone diagnosis.

Keywords

• costovertebral angle tenderness
• physical examination
• ureteral stone