Calculus (medicine)

A medical condition involving calcified deposits in the body

Calculus in medicine refers to a concretion of material, usually mineral salts, that forms in an organ or duct of the body. These calcified deposits can cause a variety of medical conditions depending on their location and size.

Formation

Calculi form when there is an imbalance in the substances that make up urine or other bodily fluids. This can lead to the crystallization of minerals, which then aggregate to form stones. Common sites for calculus formation include the kidney, gallbladder, and urinary bladder.

Types of Calculi

Renal Calculi

Illustration of renal calculi

Renal calculi, commonly known as kidney stones, are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys. They can cause severe pain, nausea, and vomiting when they move into the ureter.

Gallstones

Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid that can form in the gallbladder. They can vary in size and may cause pain, inflammation, or infection if they block a bile duct.

Bladder Stones

Bladder stones are hard masses of minerals in the bladder. They can develop when the bladder is not completely emptied, leading to urine crystallization.

Symptoms

The symptoms of calculi depend on their location and size. Common symptoms include:

• Severe pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Hematuria (blood in urine)
• Fever and chills (if infection is present)

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of calculi typically involves imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT scan, or X-ray. These tests help determine the size, location, and composition of the stones.

Treatment

Treatment options vary depending on the type and size of the calculus. They may include:

• Pain management
• Increased fluid intake
• Medications to dissolve the stones
• Surgical procedures such as lithotripsy or endoscopic removal

Prevention

Preventive measures include maintaining adequate hydration, dietary modifications, and medications to prevent stone formation in individuals with recurrent calculi.

Related pages

• Kidney stone disease
• Cholelithiasis
• Urolithiasis

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