Residual Intravenous Contrast Mimicking a Ureteral Stent on Noncontrast Computed Tomography in a Patient With Ureterolithiasis
Abstract
This case describes a 53-year-old male patient presenting with right-sided abdominal pain and acute kidney injury (AKI) who retained intravenous (IV) contrast within the ureter from a previous image 24 hours prior at a different hospital that was initially mistaken for a calcified ureteral stent after presenting to a different hospital without the patient initially disclosing his previous hospital stay. This created diagnostic uncertainty and prompted subspecialty consultations for a device the patient had never received. The patient subsequently passed a ureteral calculus with resolution of symptoms and improvement in renal function. This case highlights the importance of recognizing residual IV contrast as a potential mimic of foreign bodies on computed tomography (CT), particularly in patients with recent contrast-enhanced studies.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Kidney Stones and Urolithiasis Treatments
Ureteral procedures and complications
Acute Kidney Injury Research
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Cureus
- Publisher
- Springer Science and Business Media LLC
- Volume
- 18
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- e101749–e101749
- Publication date
- 17 January 2026
- Language
- EN