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Nephrocalcinosis and Nephrolithiasis

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Radiological Imaging of the Kidney

Part of the book series: Medical Radiology ((Med Radiol Diagn Imaging))

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Abstract

The presence of renal calculi in humans has been identified in mummies discovered as long ago as 4,000 bc, affecting humans for millennia. The underlying aetiology of both nephrocalcinosis and nephrolithiasis is complex. An appreciation of the processes involved in calculus formation aids in the understanding of the diagnosis and management of the disease. The progression of imaging technology has promoted increasingly sensitive and specific techniques in the diagnosis of nephrocalcinosis and nephrolithiasis. Currently, non-contrasted computed tomography has superceded the excretory intravenous urogram in the investigation of acute renal colic because of diagnostic accuracy and ease of application. An understanding of current imaging technology and techniques is necessary to allow its appropriate application in the diagnosis and ongoing management of nephrocalcinosis and nephrolithiasis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board, Department of Radiology, Princess of Wales Hospital, Coity Road, Bridgend, Wales, CF31 1RQ, UK

    Siân Phillips & Gareth R. Tudor

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  1. Siân Phillips
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  2. Gareth R. Tudor
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Correspondence to Siân Phillips .

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  1. Ospedale di Cattinara, Ist. Radiologia, Università Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, Trieste, 34149, Italy

    Emilio Quaia

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Phillips, S., Tudor, G.R. (2010). Nephrocalcinosis and Nephrolithiasis. In: Quaia, E. (eds) Radiological Imaging of the Kidney. Medical Radiology(). Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-87597-0_15

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-87597-0_15

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