PURPOSE To determine the effects of calculus size, composition, and technique (kilovolt and milliampere settings) on the conspicuity of renal calculi at unenhanced helical computed tomography (CT). MATERIALS AND METHODS The authors performed unenhanced CT of a phantom containing 188 renal calculi of varying size and chemical composition (brushite, cystine, struvite, weddellite, whewellite, an...

Urolithiasis can be defined as the clinical condition where the formation of crystal aggregates in the urinary tract results in kidney stones. The presence of a kidney stone in the human body can be externalized in very different ways, it can produce no symptoms but it can be associated with several pain caused for one or some of the following symptoms: gross or microscopic hematuria, obstructi...

OBJECTIVE The most common urinary stones (calcium salts, uric acid) form due to genetic factors and lifestyle. This review describes why, if and how medication and lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of formation. METHODS Previous reports were reviewed to obtain information on three aspects of urolithiasis, i.e. epidemiology, mechanisms linking lifestyle and urolithiasis and lifestyle inter...

BACKGROUND Computed Tomography (CT) is considered the gold-standard for the pre-operative evaluation of urolithiasis. However, no Hounsfield (HU) variable capable of differentiating stone types has been clearly identified. The aim of this study is to assess the predictive value of HU parameters on CT for determining stone composition and outcomes in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). METHOD...

The incidence of nephrolithiasis (kidney stones) is rising worldwide, especially in women and with increasing age. Kidney stones are associated with chronic kidney disease. Preventing recurrence is largely specific to the type of stone (e.g., calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, cystine, struvite [magnesium ammonium phosphate]), and uric acid stones); however, even when the stone cannot be retri...

BACKGROUND Kidney stone (nephrolithiasis) is one of the most common diseases. During the past several decades, its prevalence and incidence have increased markedly in elderly population. OBJECTIVES This study was conducted to evaluate the risk factors for nephrolithiasis in elderly population. PATIENTS AND METHODS This study was based on the Amirkola Health and Ageing Project (AHAP). Elderl...

PURPOSE In this paper we present our experience with dissolution therapy of radiolucent calculi. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a retrospective analysis of patients who were offered urinary dissolution therapy between January 2010 and June 2011. Patients were treated with tablets containing potassium citrate and magnesium oxide. Partial dissolution was defined as at least a 50% reduction in s...

Bladder calculi in adults are common and occur as a result of bladder outlet obstruction. Though most of them are composed of calcium, in a few cases the stones may be composed of uric acid.We report on a 72 year old male who presented himself for a health check-up and incidentally was diagnosed to have multiple bladder calculi (85), the largest being 25 mm. Despite the large stone burden, the ...

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