Can color ultrasound detect ureteral stones?

Color Doppler ultrasound has high accuracy in diagnosing ureteral stones. Generally, it can detect stones within the ureter and provide information about their shape, size, and location. During B-mode ultrasound examination, the presence of a strong echogenic mass in the ureter accompanied by acoustic shadowing behind it typically confirms the diagnosis of a stone. However, because the ureter is relatively long and its middle segment is often obscured by surrounding structures such as bowel loops, and because small stones may not be detected by ultrasound, additional diagnostic methods—such as CT scans or urography—are sometimes required for more accurate diagnosis. Although color Doppler ultrasound is one of the commonly used methods for diagnosing ureteral stones, false-negative results may still occur.