Bilateral obstructing renal stones: an uncommon cause of acute renal failure

Bilateral ureterolithiasis: A true positive and false negative PoCUS exam in a patient with renal colic

Acute flank pain from suspected urolithiasis is a common presenting complaint in the Emergency Department. Multiple computed tomography (CT) has traditionally been the standard imaging modality used to diagnose obstructive kidney stones, however point of care ultrasound (PoCUS) can play an important role in the diagnostic algorithm and risk stratification of acute flank pain. Here, we present the case of a 29-year-old female with suspected urolithiasis, who underwent PoCUS that revealed right-sided hydronephrosis and normal left kidney, bladder, and aorta. A subsequent KUB was negative. As the clinical course failed to improve with therapy, an abdominal and pelvic CT was ordered revealing a 5 mm distal obstructing ureteric calculus at the right vesico-ureteric junction and another 5 mm left mid ureteric calculus. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case in which a patient presenting with acute right-sided flank pain demonstrated unilateral hydronephrosis on PoCUS, but had clinically significant bilateral ureteric stones on CT. Emergency physicians who employ PoCUS for evaluation of flank pain must be aware of its benefits and drawbacks and how they apply to each patient. As such, we have developed a script emergency physicians can use for shared decision-making with renal colic patients when deciding on the appropriate imaging modality.

Bilateral ureteric stones: an unusual cause of acute kidney injury

A 49-year-old man presented to the accident and emergency department, with a short history of vague abdominal pain, abdominal distension and two episodes of frank haematuria. A plain chest film showed dilated loops of large bowel and blood results on admission showed an acute kidney injury (stage 3). A diagnosis of bowel obstruction was made initially but a CT scan of the abdomen showed bilateral obstructing calculi. After initial resuscitation, the patient had bilateral ultrasound-guided nephrostomies and haemofiltration. He later underwent bilateral antegrade ureteric stenting. A decision will later be made on whether or not he is fit enough to undergo ureteroscopy and laser stone fragmentation.

Bilateral stones as a cause of acute renal failure in the emergency department

BACKGROUND

Acute renal failure (ARF) due to obstructive uropathy is a urological emergency. The standard radiological investigations in the emergency setting include X-ray, ultrasonography and computed tomography. But occasionally the cause of obstruction may be elusive.

METHODS

We present a case of obstructive uropathy due to bilateral stones presenting as acute renal failure. The patient underwent successful shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) for dissolution of calculi.

RESULTS

The patient was successfully treated, and reported asymptomatic in a follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Close collaboration between nephrological, urological, and radiological services is required.

Renal recoverability in infants with obstructive calcular anuria: is it better than in older children?

OBJECTIVE

Urolithiasis in infants can cause considerable morbidity. The literature regarding calcular anuria in this age group is very defective. Our aim was to evaluate impact of intervention on renal recoverability in these infants.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A series of 24 patients presenting with obstructive calcular anuria were included in this study. Mean age was 16.5 ± 6.2 months. They were treated either by initial urinary diversion or definitive endoscopic (ureteroscopy or JJ stenting with medical alkalinization) or open surgical (ureterolithotomy or pyelolithotomy) treatment.

RESULTS

Mean serum creatinine was 5.8 ± 2.6 mg/dl. Initial peritoneal dialysis and/or urinary diversion was needed in 11 patients (45.8%). Open surgical treatment was applied in 5 (20.8%), endoscopic treatment was applied in 15 (62.5%), while combined treatment was applied in 4 (16.6%) patients. All patients had normal serum creatinine on discharge. Three (12.5%) had residual stones which were cleared by 2ry ureteroscopic intervention at 6 months. The overall complication rate in this study was 12.5% in the form of postoperative leakage (1) and postoperative fever (2). No mortality or development of chronic renal failure was reported at 6 months follow up. In comparison with these results, a previous study carried out in our centre on an older age group had a higher complication rate (28%) with higher mortalities and lower renal function recoverability rate (94%).

CONCLUSIONS

Appropriate and timely medical and surgical management of calcular anuria will mostly lead to full recovery of renal functions. In comparison with older children, renal prognosis in those less than 2 years seems more favorable.