Nephrolithiasis

Nephrolithiasis (kidney stones) is a common condition, typically affecting adult men more commonly than adult women, although this difference is narrowing.

Patients typically present with acute renal colic, although some patients are asymptomatic.

Multiple risk factors include chronic dehydration, diet, obesity, positive family history, specific medications, and various metabolic abnormalities.

Non-contrast computed tomography scan of the abdomen/pelvis is the imaging modality with the highest sensitivity and specificity to diagnose stones. Plain x-ray (KUB) and renal ultrasound can be utilized for diagnosis in some cases, such as a desire to reduce or eliminate radiation exposure.

Treatment consists of both medical and surgical therapies.

24-hour urine tests are recommended for most stone formers to determine the cause of stone formation and optimal treatment to help prevent future stone episodes.

Nephrolithiasis refers to the presence of crystalline stones (calculi) within the urinary system (kidneys and ureter). Such renal stones are composed of varying amounts of crystalloid and organic matrix. Ureteric stones almost always originate in the kidney but then pass down into the ureter.[1]Khan SR, Pearle MS, Robertson WG, et al. Kidney stones. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2016 Feb 25;2:16008. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5685519 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27188687?tool=bestpractice.com BMJ talk medicine: nephrolithiasis Opens in new window