Calcium Nephrolithiasis and Medullary Sponge Kidney in Women

Abstract

IT has never been clear whether the natural history of calcium renal stone disease is different in women and men, because women are less frequently affected and constitute only a minor fraction of patients in published series.1 2 3 We present evidence that women with calcium nephrolithiasis have more frequent stones and more infections, cystoscopic examinations, and hospitalizations than men, and more often have concurrent medullary sponge kidney. Medullary sponge kidney is a disorder in which the papillary collecting ducts are dilated; stones are common.4 The condition is diagnosed according to radiographic criteria that include radial strands or cystic collections of contrast . . .