7) Urinary tract calculi

What is nephrocalcinosis?

Diffuse deposition of calcium salts in the renal parenchyma

What is urolithiasis?

Formation of calculi (stones) anywhere in the urinary tract

Which of the following best defines renal tract calculi?

Stones occurring anywhere from the kidney to the urethra

What is the typical age range in which renal tract calculi most commonly present?

30-60 years

What is the classic clinical presentation of renal calculi?

Severe, spasmodic loin-to-groin pain with haematuria

Which of the following is NOT a typical complication of obstructive renal stones?

Polyuria

Which of the following is the most common type of renal calculus?

Calcium oxalate

Which of the following organisms is commonly associated with struvite (infection) stones?

Proteus species

Hypercalciuria is associated with stone formation in approximately what proportion of cases?

50%

What is the typical size range of most urinary tract calculi?

1–3 mm

A staghorn calculus is best described as:

A stone with branches filling the renal pelvis and calyces

Which of the following is most likely to cause bilateral hydronephrosis? (both of a person's kidneys are swollen and dilated due to a backup of urine)

Urethral stricture

Which of the following is TRUE about medullary nephrocalcinosis? (calcium deposits within the renal medulla)

More common than cortical nephrocalcinosis

Which mnemonic lists causes of medullary nephrocalcinosis? (calcium deposits within the renal medulla)

HAMHOP (hypoparathyroidism, renal tubular acidosis, medullary sponge kidney, hypercalcemia or hypercalciuria, oxalises and papillary necrosis)

Which condition is NOT part of the COAG (cortical necrosis, oxalosis, Alport syndrome and glomerulonephritis) mnemonic for cortical nephrocalcinosis? (calcium salts specifically within the cortex)

Gout

What is the most appropriate first-line imaging for suspected renal colic in a pregnant patient?

Ultrasound

Which imaging modality is currently the investigation of choice for suspected renal stones in most adults?

Non-contrast CT

Which of the following stones is usually radiolucent and may not appear on standard X-ray?

Uric acid

What test assesses renal function by injecting a radioisotope to evaluate excretion?

DMSA scan

What is the role of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL)?

Break up small stones to facilitate passage

Which of the following is used to relieve obstruction from a stone with infection or renal failure?

Nephrostomy or ureteric stent

Why is a pregnancy test important in someone presenting with renal colic?

Radiation from imaging could be harmful