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Nephrolithiasis
Alternate Names : Kidney Stones, Renal Calculi, Stones - Kidney
DefinitionNephrolithiasis is a condition in which one or more stones are present in the pelvis or calyces of the kidney or in the ureter. (See also cystinuria.)
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Kidney stone formation may result when the urine becomes overly concentrated with certain substances. These substances in the urine may complex to form small crystals and subsequently stones. Stones may not produce symptoms until they begin to move down the ureter, causing pain. The pain is severe and often starts in the flank region and moves down to the groin.
Kidney stones are common. About 5% of women and 10% of men will have at least one episode by age 70. Kidney stones affect about 2 out of every 1,000 people. Recurrence is common, and the risk of recurrence is greater if two or more episodes of kidney stones occur. Kidney stones are common in premature infants.
A personal or family history of stones is associated with increased risk of stone formation. Other risk factors include renal tubular acidosis and resultant nephrocalcinosis.
Some types of stones tend to run in families. Some types may be associated with other conditions such as bowel disease, ileal bypass for obesity, or renal tubule defects.
- Calcium stones are most common, accounting for over 75% of all stones. They are two to three times more common in men, usually appearing at age 20 to 30. Recurrence is likely. The calcium may combine with other substances such as oxalate (the most common substance), phosphate, or carbonate to form the stone. Oxalate is present in certain foods. Diseases of the small intestine increase the tendency to form calcium oxalate stones.
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Uric acid stones are also more common in men. They are associated with gout or chemotherapy. Uric acid stones make up about 10% of all stones.
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Cystine stones may form in persons with cystinuria. It is a hereditary disorder affecting both men and women.
- Struvite stones are mainly found in women as a result of urinary tract infection. They can grow very large and may obstruct the kidney, ureter, or bladder.
Other substances may crystallize, precipitate, and form stones.
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Definition Nephrolithiasis Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors Nephrolithiasis Symptoms & Signs Nephrolithiasis Prevention Nephrolithiasis Diagnosis & Tests Nephrolithiasis Treatment Nephrolithiasis Prognosis Nephrolithiasis Complications Calling Your Health Care Provider
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Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
Acute Gouty Arthritis Acute Kidney Failure Acute Unilateral Obstructive Uropathy Bladder Stones Cystinuria Injury - Kidney and Ureter Nephrocalcinosis Proximal Renal Tubular Acidosis Urinary Tract Infection
Tests & Exams
Abdominal CT Scan Abdominal Film Abdominal MRI Abdominal Ultrasound Intravenous Pyelogram RBC - Urine Uric Acid Urinalysis
Other Topics
Abdominal Pain Back Pain - Low Chemotherapy Fever Flank Pain Groin Pain Intravenous Nausea and Vomiting Obesity Pain Medications Renal Testicle Pain Urinary Frequency/Urgency Urination - Difficulty with Flow Urination - Excessive at Night Urination - Painful Urine - Abnormal Color Urine - Bloody
Review Date : 10/17/2003
Reviewed By : Irfan A. Agha, M.D., Department of Medicine, Renal Division, St. Louis University, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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