BIOPATHOLOGICAL CRYSTALLIZATION - A GENERAL VIEW ABOUT THE MECHANISMSOF RENAL STONE FORMATION

A general classification of most common renal calculi (calcium oxalate , phosphate and uric acid stones) based on their formation mechanism i s presented. The main etiological factors that enable their developmen t are discussed considering present knowledge of calcium oxalate, inso luble urinary phosphates and uric acid crystallization and the fine st ructure of respective renal stones. Considering the formation mechanis ms of the discussed calculi, common aspects permit us to distinguish t wo general mechanisms of calculi formation: development of calculi att ached to papillary epithelium and development of calculi in cavities w ithout any attachment to urothelium. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.