Nephrolithiasis

Nephrolithiasis is the formation or presence of mineral or organic stones in the kidneys or urinary tract. Stones can obstruct urine flow and cause severe pain, bleeding, or infection.

Supersaturation: A state in which a solution contains more dissolved material than it can maintain at equilibrium. Urine supersaturation allows stone-forming compounds to crystallize.
Calcium oxalate: A calcium salt of oxalic acid that occurs in several crystalline forms. Calcium oxalate is the most common mineral in urinary stones.
Renal colic: Severe, often wave-like pain caused by obstruction or irritation in the urinary tract, commonly by a stone. A migrating stone can produce the characteristic flank-to-groin pain.
Urinary tract infection: An infection involving the kidneys, bladder, ureters, or urethra. An obstructing stone with infection can become a dangerous emergency.
Urolithiasis: The formation or presence of stones anywhere in the urinary tract. This broader term includes stones in the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra.
Nucleation: The initial formation of a stable cluster from which a new crystal or other phase can grow. Stone crystals begin when dissolved compounds nucleate in urine.
Uric acid: A nitrogen-containing waste product formed during the breakdown of purines. Low urine pH and high uric acid concentration promote uric acid stones.
Non-contrast computed tomography: An imaging technique that uses X-rays without injected contrast material to create cross-sectional images. It detects most urinary stones and locates them for treatment decisions.
Hydronephrosis: Dilation of the kidney's urine-collecting system caused by impaired urine drainage. Persistent stone obstruction can cause pressure buildup and hydronephrosis.
Bladder stone: A mineral deposit that forms or remains in the urinary bladder. Bladder stones are lower-tract stones and often arise from impaired bladder emptying.

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