Leukocyte Casts in Urine

Presence of white blood cell casts in urine indicates a problem in the kidney.

Leukocyte casts are the primary marker to distinguish pyelonephritis from lower urinary tract infections.

Leukocyte casts can be found in non-bacterial inflammatory conditions such as acute interstitial nephritis, suggesting inflammation in the small tubes of the kidney.

Performing a supravital stain is necessary to visualize the characteristic multilobed nuclei of leukocytes within the casts, providing a conclusive diagnosis.

Triple phosphate crystals are easily dissolved in acetic acid.

Triple phosphate crystals are commonly found in cases of chronic cystitis, a persistent inflammation of the bladder.

Triple phosphate crystals typically present with a feather-like or plume-shaped morphology.

Fatty casts containing cholesterol are anisotropic and do not polarize light when viewed under a microscope.

A deficiency of the enzyme α-galactosidase A can lead to Fabry disease, a rare genetic disorder that affects the kidneys, heart, and nervous system.

Fatty casts can incorporate a variety lipid types, including cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids.