Friday, February, 10, 2012

Nephrocalcinosis

Table of Contents

Symptoms

There are generally no early symptoms of nephrocalcinosis, beyond those of the condition causing the problem.

People who also have kidney stones may have:

  • Blood in the urine
  • Fever and chills
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Severe pain in the belly area, sides of the back (flank), groin, or testicles

Later symptoms related to nephrocalcinosis may be associated with chronic kidney failure.


Signs and tests

Nephrocalcinosis may be discovered when symptoms of renal insufficiency, kidney failure, obstructive uropathy, or urinary tract stones develop.

Imaging tests can help diagnose this condition. Tests that may be done include:

  • Abdominal CT scan
  • Ultrasound of the kidney

Other tests that may be done to diagnose and determine the severity of associated disorders include:

  • Blood tests to check levels of calcium, phosphate, uric acid, and parathyroid homrone
  • Urinalysis to see crystals and check for red blood cells
  • 24-hour urine collection to measure acidity and levels of calcium, sodium, uric acid, oxalate, and citrate


Review Date: 08/30/2009
Reviewed By: Louis S. Liou, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Urology, Department of Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)