Aeromedical Certification of Aircrew and Controllers with Renal Calculi

Acute renal colic is a painful and incapacitating condition. This article reviews the epidemiology of calculi and finds 2–10% annual risk of a symptomatic event following incidental detection of a calculus. While calculi 4 mm or less in size may not require surgical intervention, this does not equate to a pain-free passage. Similarly, calculus recurrence rates may vary in different anatomical locations, but no location can be considered “safe.” The recognition of parenchymal calcification and Randall’s plaques as precursors to the development of calculi places such individuals at elevated risk of developing calculi. More recently evidence has supported a link between metabolic syndrome and calculus formation. In an occupational group where there is potential for elevated radiation exposure, appropriate imaging is of particular importance. CT, X-ray, and ultrasound modalities are reviewed with recommendations presented for aeromedical assessment and surveillance based on identification of those at high risk of colic and minimization of investigational radiation exposure.

• Record URL:
  https://doi.org/10.3357/ASEM.3604.2013
• Record URL:
  http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/asma/asem/2013/00000084/00000010/art00011
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00956562
• Authors:
  • Drane, A Michael C
  • Navathe, Pooshan
  • Clem, Peter
• Publication Date: 2013-10

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 1074-1081
• Serial:
  • Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine
  • Volume: 84
  • Issue Number: 10
  • Publisher: Aerospace Medical Association
  • ISSN: 0095-6562
  • Serial URL: http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/asma/asem

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Air traffic controllers; Aviation medicine; Aviation safety; Diseases and medical conditions; Epidemiology; Flight crews; Human factors in crashes; Medical treatment
• Uncontrolled Terms: Kidneys; Pain
• Subject Areas: Aviation; Safety and Human Factors; I83: Accidents and the Human Factor;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01495798
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Sep 26 2013 9:55AM