The urinary sediment in hydronephrosis.

Abstract

Phase contrast microscopy has been used for examination of urinary sediments from 19 patients with hydronephrosis. Casts were seldom seen. A raised number of erythrocytes was seen only in association with catheter, calculi or diabetes. A raised number of leukocytes was seen in patients with bacteriuria. A striking observation was the finding of a great proportion (64%) of histiocyte-like cells in six out of 12 cases in whom a differential count was performed. The proportion of histiocyte-like cells was small (14%) in cases with bacteriuria or history of urinary tract infection.