Urolithiasis in a patient ingesting pure silica: a scanning electron microscopy study.
A patient who repeatedly produced urinary calculi, had consumed about 3 g of cristobalite (SiO2) per day for many years. Investigations using scanning electron microscopy revealed minute particles containing silicon in the core of the stone as well as in urine sediment. A mechanism similar to that proposed for the effect of silicon-containing drugs against gastric ulcer, may play a role in this formation of silicon-containing urinary stones.
D001031:Apatites / Q000032:analysis; D002129:Calcium Oxalate / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D012822:Silicon Dioxide / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D014545:Urinary Calculi / Q000209:etiology / Q000648:ultrastructure*
D001031:Apatites; C016189:whewellite; D002129:Calcium Oxalate; D012822:Silicon Dioxide