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Kidney stones, if left untreated, can lead to severe complications such as:
An obstructed kidney stone typically presents with:
Prevention and Treatment: Encourage fluid intake to reduce the risk of stone formation.
Stone Composition | Urine pH | X-Ray Findings | CT Findings | Crystal Shape | Notable Points & Treatment |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Calcium Oxalate | Decreased pH | Radiopaque | Radiopaque | Envelope/Dumbbell | Most common (80%). Risk factors: ethylene glycol (antifreeze), vitamin C abuse, hypocitraturia, Crohn’s disease. Treatment: Thiazides, citrate, low-sodium diet. |
Calcium Phosphate | Increased pH | Radiopaque | Radiopaque | Wedge-shaped prism | Treatment: Low-sodium diet, thiazides. |
Ammonium Magnesium Phosphate (Struvite) | Increased pH | Radiopaque | Radiopaque | Coffin lid | 15% of stones. Caused by urease-positive bacterial infections (e.g., Proteus, Staphylococcus). Forms staghorn calculi. Treatment: Infection eradication, surgical removal. |
Uric Acid | Decreased pH | Radiolucent | Minimally visible | Rhomboid/Rosettes | 5% of stones. Risk factors: low urine volume, arid climates, acidic urine pH, hyperuricemia (gout). Treatment: Alkalinization of urine, allopurinol. |
Cystine | Decreased pH | Faintly radiopaque | Moderately radiopaque | Hexagonal | Hereditary (autosomal recessive) disorder causing cystinuria. Seen in childhood; may form staghorn calculi. Treatment: Low-sodium diet, urine alkalinization, chelating agents (e.g., penicillamine). |