title: Calyceal microlithiasis in children: report on 196 cases.
abstract: Recognition of children at greatest risk for urolithiasis may allow early detection or prevention of stone formation. We report clinical data from 196 children aged 0.9-15.9 years in whom renal ultrasound examination revealed hyperechogenic spots in renal calyces less than 3 mm in diameter. We called this finding "calyceal microlithiasis" (CM). There was a history of urolithiasis in 70.4% of patients in at least one first- or second-degree relative. Presenting symptoms were recurrent abdominal pain, dysuria, and hematuria, occurring alone or in combination. Hematuria was the presenting symptom in 41% of patients and was the only urinary finding in more than one-third. Hypercalciuria was present in about one-third and hyperuricuria in one-fifth of the patients. Of 29 patients who were followed for at least 2 years, 9 developed calculi 4-7 mm in diameter. CM possibly represents the first step in calculus formation. The finding of CM might explain a number of symptoms and signs that are often mild and non-specific, thus reducing invasive diagnostic procedures.
authors.affiliation: 3rd Pediatric Clinic, Department of Pediatrics, Second University of Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: La Manna
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Polito
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Cioce
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: De Maria
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Capacchione
authors.forename: C E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Rocco
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Papale
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Romei
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007668:Kidney / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014545:Urinary Calculi / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000453:epidemiology