Abstract

A uric acid concretion formed round a catheter (JJ stent) in the bladder and removed intact from the body together with the catheter was studied using an electron scanning microscope. The concretion was composed of anhydrous uric acid, some uric acid dihydrate (< 5 wt.%) and individual particles of calcium oxalate monohydrate. The stone interior was porous with frequent occurrence of differently sized cavities that were either empty or partially filled with particles of uric acid and/or calcium oxalate monohydrate. Calcium oxalate particles were not of crystalluria origin but developed in the cavity. The succession of processes leading to the stone formation was deduced from its inner structure. The stone was formed due to a crystalline growth with minor, if any, participation of sedimentation. The estimated average rate of the calculus development, 2 x 10(-9) m/s, confirms the predominant role of crystalline growth in stone formation and indicates a relatively low urinary supersaturation with respect to uric acid prevailing during the period of calculogenesis.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.