Renal colic
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Synopsis
Renal colic is the acute onset of severe abdominal / flank pain due to kidney stones. Pain typically radiates from the flanks to the groin and intensifies over the first 30-60 minutes. Eliciting a history of prior nephrolithiasis, a family history of kidney stones, or patients at risk of nephrolithiasis (eg, gastric bypass surgery, short bowel syndrome) should raise suspicion for a diagnosis of kidney stones. Some medications are associated with the development of kidney stones.
Renal colic is a common presenting symptom for nephrolithiasis. Risk factors for kidney stone formation include a prior stone formation (approximately 50% recurring within 5 years without preventive measures), family history, gastrointestinal surgeries, and systemic disease (eg, diabetes mellitus type 2, hypertension). Nephrolithiasis can occur at any age with a peak incidence between 20-49 years.
Nephrolithiasis is also associated with systemic diseases such as hyperparathyroidism, metabolic syndrome, nephrocalcinosis, gastrointestinal disease associated with impaired intestinal absorption, and sarcoidosis. Other risk factors for nephrolithiasis include insulin resistance, obesity, gout, and low fluid intake.
Renal colic is a common presenting symptom for nephrolithiasis. Risk factors for kidney stone formation include a prior stone formation (approximately 50% recurring within 5 years without preventive measures), family history, gastrointestinal surgeries, and systemic disease (eg, diabetes mellitus type 2, hypertension). Nephrolithiasis can occur at any age with a peak incidence between 20-49 years.
Nephrolithiasis is also associated with systemic diseases such as hyperparathyroidism, metabolic syndrome, nephrocalcinosis, gastrointestinal disease associated with impaired intestinal absorption, and sarcoidosis. Other risk factors for nephrolithiasis include insulin resistance, obesity, gout, and low fluid intake.
Codes
ICD10CM:
N23 – Unspecified renal colic
SNOMEDCT:
7093002 – Renal colic
N23 – Unspecified renal colic
SNOMEDCT:
7093002 – Renal colic
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Diagnostic Pearls
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Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls
- Pyelonephritis
- Loin pain-hematuria syndrome
- Renal cell carcinoma
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Ovarian torsion or rupture
- Renal arteriovenous malformation
- Cholecystitis
- Mesenteric ischemia
- Dysmenorrhea
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Therapy
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Drug Reaction Data
Below is a list of drugs with literature evidence indicating an adverse association with this diagnosis. The list is continually updated through ongoing research and new medication approvals. Click on Citations to sort by number of citations or click on Medication to sort the medications alphabetically.
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References
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Last Reviewed:03/06/2018
Last Updated:08/31/2023
Last Updated:08/31/2023