The Riddle of Randall’s Plaques

Abstract

Randall described a pre-calculus lesion of the renal papilla in the 1930s and this was substantiated by others during the next decade and then largely ignored. This insignificant subepithelial calcification of the renal papilla, Randall’s plaque type I, becomes the nucleus of at least 15 per cent of calcium oxalate calculi, as demonstrated by apatite nuclei existing in papillary depressions on the external stone surface. Cross section study of the stone demonstrates the peripheral nucleus with eccentric lamination postulating a mural origin. Contrariwise, study of the stone developing upon a nucleus originating in the papillary ducts (without producing obstruction) or out in the calix demonstrates a central nucleus surrounded by concentric laminations or lack of a mural origin, the more common type of calcium oxalate stone structure. Obstruction of the papillary ducts by hyperexcretion of stone salt may result in anemic infarction and sloughing of the apex of the papilla. Data concerning the prevalence of Randall’s plaques in the population have been reviewed. Evidence of the incidence of calcium oxalate calculi that have developed upon Randall’s plaques has been presented. A plea for further study of the pathology of the renal papilla has been voiced.