Urinary Pathologies Flashcards
What are some urinary pathologies?
Duplex /horseshoe (normal variants)
Renal calculus
Hydronephrosis
Neoplasms (renal cell and bladder carcinoma)
Renal failure
Cysts
Polycystic
Urethral stricture/ fistula
Urinary tract infection (UTI)
Bladder function
What is a duplex?
Duplex or double ureters are existing from either one or both (uni or bilateral) kidney(s) and extending to the bladder that has been opened
What is the prevalence of duplex?
A partial or complete duplication of one or both ureters occurs in about 1 in 150 persons
Most are asymptomatic
What are the potential problems associated with a duplex of the ureters?
There is a potential for obstructive, infective problems due to the abnormal flow of urine and the entrance of 2 ureters into the bladder in close proximity, but most of the time this is an incidental finding
What is a horseshoe kidney pathology?
It is a congenital abnormality, the Horseshoe kidney refers to the appearance of the fused kidney which results from fusion at 1 pole
What is the prevalence of a horseshoe kidney?
In more than 90% of cases, fusion occurs along the lower pole approximately 1/3 asymptomatic (unless pathology presents)
What is the incidence of a horseshoe kidney?
1 in 400- 800 live births more likely in men than women
For up to 66% can lead to higher rates of hydronephrosis, kidney stones, and UTIs
What is a renal calculi (nephrolithiasis)
Kidney stones are usually formed following a buildup of a substance in the body such as: calcium, ammonia, uric acid (a waste product that is produced when the body breaks down food to use as energy), cystine (an amino acid that helps build protein)
What is the clinical presentation of a renal calculi?
Blood in the urine (frank or microscopic)
Renal colic (severe pain and flank)
Pain or difficulty in urination
Patients may be pale, vomiting, or have a fever
What other medical conditions can increase the risk of developing kidney stones?
Cancer or kidney disease, this is usually due to the treatments from these conditions and can have a higher risk with Crohn’s disease can cause obstruction and lead to hydronephrosis
What is the radiographic appearances of a renal calculi?
80% are radiopaque on X-ray
5-10% (uric acid) are radiolucent on x-ray but visible on CT/ US
What do most of the stones consist of?
Calcium oxalate
What is the main cause of 80% of the calcium salts?
Dehydration
Where does most caculi originate from?
The kidney and then travel down the ureter, can grow further
What does the level of pain depend on?
It depends on a degree and level of obstruction
What is the incidence and prevalence of a renal calculi?
More common in male than female (approximately 3 times more)
Most common age range is 20 to 49 years
Family member history increases risks
80-85% approximately will pass spontaneously
What is a staghorn calculus?
Upper urinary tract stone which include renal pelvis and at least 2 calyces
75% are sttuvite-carbonate-apatite
What is struvite caused by?
Infection (bacterial/ fungal) with alkaline urine and presence of ammonia
Most a relatively asymptomatic blocks flow of urine and normally associated with chronic UTIs