Genitourinary Flashcards
(12 cards)
What is nephrolithiasis?
kidney stones form in the collecting ducts and can be deposited anywhere from renal pelvis to ureter
What are kidney stones made out of?
80-85% calcium oxalate
may also be calcium phosphate, uric acid, struvite, cysteine
What are the risk factors for nephrolithiasis?
- chronic dehydration
- obesity
- recurrent UTIs
- hyperparathyroidism
- history of previous stone
- slightly more common in males
What is the medical term for kidney stones?
nephrolithiasis
Describe the pathophysiology of nephrolithiasis.
- excess solute in collecting duct
- leads to super saturated urine
- favours crystallisation
What is the main complication of nephrolithiasis?
the stone can cause outflow obstruction and lead to hydronephrosis
What are the most common sites for kidney stone formation?
pelvic-ureteric junction
pelvic brim
vesico-ureteric junction
How does nephrolithiasis present?
- loin to groin colicky pain
- haematuria and dysuria
- sudden onset, early morning
- patient can’t lie still
- fever
What is the significance of a fever with kidney stones?
red flag and hints towards superimposed infection, e.g. pyelonephritis
How is nephrolithiasis diagnosed?
1st line- KUBXR
gold standard- NCCT KUB
Why is NCCT KUB better diagnostically than KUBXR for kidney stones?
KUBXR is 80% specific, NCCT KUB is 99% specific
How is nephrolithiasis treated?
- symptomatic relief: hydration, NSAIDS, IV diclofenac extreme pain
- if stones < 5mm pass spontaneously
- if stones > 5mm pass
