Do You Need a CT? POCUS in First-Time Renal Colic
May 3, 2026 //
Case Presentation
A 24-year-old male presents to urgent care with acute onset left-sided flank pain that began earlier that day. The pain is colicky, radiates toward the groin, and is associated with one episode of visible hematuria. He denies fever, dysuria, urinary frequency, or vomiting and is tolerating oral intake.
Vital signs are normal, with a systolic blood pressure in the 130s. On exam, he appears uncomfortable but non-toxic, with mild left costovertebral angle tenderness. Urinalysis show microscopic hematuria and no infection.
The provider suspects renal colic and performs a focused renal POCUS to assess for obstruction.
What do you see, and what’s the diagnosis?
Posted in: Partner NewsPOCUS
