Urinary tract calculi composed primarily of xanthine are rare both in adult
s and children, We describe the clinical presentation and management of a 3
.5-year-old boy with hereditary xanthinuria (an autosomal recessive disorde
r of purine metabolism) and primary bladder calculus formed from xanthine.
To our knowledge this case demonstrates a previously undescribed form of xa
nthinuria in childhood. Xanthine stones, although rare, should be considere
d in the diagnosis of urolithiasis. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.