15 Questions
Renal calculi can sometimes be asymptomatic.
True
Deep-seated, sickening ache pain in the loin is a common symptom of renal calculi.
True
Haematuria in individuals with renal calculi is always visible to the naked eye.
False
Systemic symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and tachycardia are common in individuals with renal calculi.
True
Loin or renal angle tenderness is not associated with renal calculi.
False
What compounds make up 'struvite stones'?
Magnesium, ammonium, and calcium phosphate
Which type of stones occur in strongly alkaline urine?
Triple phosphate or 'struvite' stones
What is the characteristic feature of 'Staghorn' calculi?
They fill the calyceal system
Which type of stones are associated with chronic urinary infection by urea-splitting organisms?
Proteus stones
What percentage of stones are 'struvite' stones according to the text?
15%
What is the main reason for the formation of uric acid stones?
High levels of uric acid in the urine
Which medical condition is commonly associated with uric acid stones?
Gout
What type of diet can contribute to the formation of uric acid stones?
High purine diet
Which physical characteristic best describes uric acid stones?
Hard and smooth
In which type of urine environment do uric acid stones precipitate?
Acidic urine
Study Notes
Renal Calculi
- Asymptomatic renal failure may be the first indication of bilateral silent calculi
Symptoms
- Pain: deep-seated, sickening ache in the loin or renal angle, worsened by movement
- Haematuria: microscopic or frank, throughout the stream
- Systemic symptoms:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Tachycardia (in severe pain)
- Loin or renal angle tenderness
Triple Phosphate (Struvite) Stones
- Composition: compounds of magnesium, ammonium, and calcium phosphate
- Background: chronic urinary infection by urea-splitting organisms (e.g. Proteus)
- Occur in strongly alkaline urine
- Late presentation: "staghorn" calculi, filling the calyceal system
Uric Acid Stones
- Composition: high levels of uric acid in the urine
- Precipitate in persistently acidic urine (pH < 5.5)
- Characteristics: hard, smooth, multiple, multifaceted
- Causes:
- Gout
- Myeloproliferative disorders
- High purine diet
- Chemotherapy for leukaemia
- Radiolucent
Test your knowledge on the symptoms of renal calculi including deep-seated pain in the loin, hematuria, systemic symptoms like nausea and vomiting, and tender loin or renal angle. Learn about how renal calculi can be asymptomatic or present with renal failure, making it crucial to recognize the signs.
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