Test yourself
Renal stone twinkle: a clue, not a diagnosis
5 questions. Pick an answer to see whether you are right and why. Your score appears at the end.
Question 1What is twinkle artefact?
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Answer c. It is an artefact made by the reflecting surface, not by moving blood.
Question 2Which combination is most convincing for a stone?
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Answer b. Greyscale and colour findings which agree make the call more specific.
Question 3Why can twinkle alone mislead?
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Answer a. CT comparison studies have found many false positives when twinkle is used alone.
Question 4Does an absent twinkle exclude a stone?
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Answer a. Whether a stone twinkles depends on its surface, the machine and the settings.
Question 5What makes an obstructed kidney time-critical?
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Answer a. An infected, obstructed kidney needs urgent drainage and specialist care.
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