Fatty casts

Fatty casts are a type of urinary cast that can be found in the urine during urinalysis, a common method of medical testing. They are typically associated with nephrotic syndrome, a kidney disorder that causes the body to excrete too much protein in the urine.

Formation

Fatty casts are formed in the renal tubules, small tubes in the kidneys where urine is produced. They are composed of lipid droplets, which are released from the tubular cells when they are damaged or dying. The presence of fatty casts in the urine is a sign that the kidneys are not functioning properly and are allowing large amounts of protein and lipids to pass into the urine.

Detection

Fatty casts can be detected through a urinalysis, which involves examining a sample of a patient's urine under a microscope. They appear as oval or cylindrical structures and are usually yellowish in color. They can be distinguished from other types of urinary casts by their high refractive index, which makes them appear very bright under polarized light.

Clinical significance

The presence of fatty casts in the urine is a significant finding that can indicate a number of different medical conditions. Most commonly, they are associated with nephrotic syndrome, a serious kidney disorder that can lead to kidney failure if not treated promptly. However, they can also be seen in other conditions that cause damage to the kidneys, such as glomerulonephritis and diabetic nephropathy.

Treatment

Treatment for fatty casts involves addressing the underlying cause of the kidney damage. This may involve medication to reduce proteinuria, dietary changes to reduce lipid levels, or in severe cases, dialysis or kidney transplantation.

See also

• Urinary cast
• Nephrotic syndrome
• Urinalysis
• Renal tubule
• Lipid