The incidence of silent kidney stones -An ultrasonographic screening study. | [Journal of Pakistan Medical Association • 2003]

Author(s):

1. N. P. N Buchholz: Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan

2. F. Abbas: Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan

3. R. Khan: Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan

4. J. Talati: Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan

5. M. Afzal: Division of Urology, Departments of Surgery and Radiology, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan

6. I. Rizvi: Division of Urology, Departments of Surgery and Radiology, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract:

Silent and not yet discovered stones of the upper urinary tract are potentially dangerous since in due course they may cause infection, obstruction and renal damage. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of such silent kidney stones in a representative Pakistani population of the Karachi area. We studied 201 consecutive subjects at our hospital who underwent an additional kidney screening whilst undergoing abdominal ultrasound. All these subjects did not have a history or symptoms of urolithiasis. We found silent kidney stones in 3% of subjects. All stone bearers were males. Most stones were in the left kidney. Notably, multiple stones and stones of a considerable size went unnoticed. In addition to the usual figures of incidence and prevalence of stone disease drawn from patient data, there is an incidence of 3% silent stones that may only be discovered incidentally or by screening. This is true for a "stone country" like Pakistan. Figures for other regions have yet to be determined. Due to socio-economic reasons, we believe that a general kidney screening for urolithiasis is, however, not indicated, at least in our country.

Page(s): 240-241

DOI: DOI not available

Published: Journal: Journal of Pakistan Medical Association, Volume: 53, Issue: 6, Year: 2003

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