What is Nephrocalcinosis?

Nephrocalcinosis
Non-contrast coronal CT with MIP reformation depicts nephrocalcinosis. Renal Cysts and Nephrocalcinosis in a Patient Deficient in 11 beta-hydroxylase Enzyme: Aswani Y, Thakkar H, Hira P - Polish journal of radiology / Polish Medical Society of Radiology (2015). Not altered. CC.

Nephrocalcinosis is kidney syndrome in which the calcium levels are increased, inducing the formation and deposition of calcium stones in the kidney.

What is the Pathology of Nephrocalcinosis?

The pathology of nephrocalcinosis is: 

-Etiology: The cause of nephrocalcinosis is conditions with cortical calcium deposition. Tuberculosis, pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis, acute transplant rejection etc. Condition with medullary calcium deposition such as hyperparathyroidism and ADCK4 mutations.

-Genes involved: ADCK4 mutations.

-Pathogenesis: The sequence of events that lead to nephrocalcinosis is due to conditions characterized by hypercalcemia, damage at intracellular level, inducing the establishment of calcium stones and deposition of calcium in the kidney. Calcified cellular debris contributes to impediment of tubular lumens, obstructive atrophy to the nephrons with interstitial fibrosis and nonspecific lingering inflammation.

-Morphology: The morphology associated with nephrocalcinosis shows atrophy of entire cortical

-Histology: The histology associated with nephrocalcinosis shows interstitium crystal deposition,

How does Nephrocalcinosis Present? 

Patients with nephrocalcinosis typically no gender preference is reported present at age range of any age. The symptoms, features, and clinical findings associated with nephrocalcinosis include asymptomatic, polyuria polydipsia, hypertension, proteinuria, pyuria, kidney failure, and bone deformity.

How is Nephrocalcinosis Diagnosed? 

Nephrocalcinosis is diagnosed by laboratory works- serum calcium, phosphate, albumin, potassium, creatine. BUN, urinalysis and urine culture. Radiological studies such as CT scan, and ultrasonography.

How is Nephrocalcinosis Treated? 

Nephrocalcinosis is treated by pharmacologic therapy- thiazide diuretics, calcium metabolism modifiers, vitamins, antimalarial agent, and calcimimetic agent. Surgical therapy in case of urinary stones.

What is the Prognosis of Nephrocalcinosis?

The prognosis of nephrocalcinosis is fair. The morbidity and mortality allied with nephrocalcinosis depend on the disease-associated.