Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Nephrocalcinosis
Introduction
Synonyms and keywords: Albright’s calcinosis
Overview
Overview
Nephrocalcinosis is a term originally used to describe deposition of calcium salts in the renal parenchyma due to hyperparathyroidism. It is now more commonly used to describe diffuse, fine, renal parenchymal calcification on radiology.[1] During its early stages, nephrocalcinosis is visible on x-ray, and appears as a fine granular mottling over the renal outlines. These outlines eventually come together to form a dense mass.[2]
It is most commonly seen as an incidental finding with medullary sponge kidney on an abdominal x-ray. However, it may be severe enough to cause (as well as be caused by) renal tubular acidosis or even end stage renal failure, due to disruption of the renal tissue by the deposited calcium.
References
- ↑ “Nephrocalcinosis”. eMedicine. 2003-09-09. Retrieved 2007-03-10.
- ↑ “Albright’s Nephrocalcinosis”. e-radiology. Retrieved 2007-03-10.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Historical Perspective
Overview
Histological Perspective
It was once known as Albright’s calcinosis after Fuller Albright.
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Classification
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References
Pathophysiology
Overview
Pathophysiology
Stages of nephrocalcinosis
- Chemical nephrocalcinosis
- Microscopic nephrocalcinosis
- Macroscopic nephrocalcinosis
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Causes
Overview
Causes
Causes of cortical nephrocalcinosis
- Acute cortical necrosis. May be caused by:
- Chronic glomerulonephritis
- Alport syndrome
- Prolonged hypercalcemia and/or hypercalciuria
- Renal transplant rejection
- Sickle cell disease (rare)
- Vitamin B6 deficiency (pyridoxine deficiency) (rare)
Causes of medullary nephrocalcinosis
- Medullary sponge kidney
- Hyperparathyroidism
- Hypoparathyroidism
- Renal tubular acidosis (specifically distal RTA)
- Renal tuberculosis
- Renal papillary necrosis
- Hyperoxaluria
Other causes of hypercalcemia (and thus hypercalciuria)
- Immobilization (leading to hypercalcemia and hypercalciuria)
- Milk-alkali syndrome
- Hypervitaminosis D
- Sarcoidosis
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Differentiating Nephrocalcinosis from other Diseases
Overview
Differentiating Nephrocalcinosis from other Diseases
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Epidemiology and Demographics
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References
Risk Factors
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References
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
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References
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms | Physical Examination | Laboratory Findings | X-Ray | CT | MRI | Ultrasound | Other Imaging Findings | Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Treatment
Medical Therapy | Surgery | Primary Prevention | Secondary Prevention | Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy | Future or Investigational Therapies
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1], Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Cafer Zorkun, M.D., PhD.