Underlying Causes

- Environmental Factors Substances that normally dissolved in

(Low fluid intake) urine Dehydration
(Dehydration)
- Genetic Factors (Calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate)
(Family History of urinary stones)
(Several genes are implicated in kidney stones
disease)
- Metabolic abnormalities Calculi form around a nucleus or Renal calculi as calculus forming substances
(Hypercalciuria - excess calcium in urine)
(High uric acid levels in blood & urine) nidus concentrate in urine
(Cystinuria - formation of cystine stones)
(Hyperoxaluria - high oxalated levels in urine)
- Certain drugs
(Indinavir & Atazanavir) (Calcium oxalate, calcium carbonate,
(Guaifenesin) Crystal evolves in the presence of
(Triamterene) calculus-forming substances magnesium, ammonium, phosphate, or
(Silicate)
(Sulfa drugs - Sulfadiazine)
uric acid)
- Long-term alterations in urinary pH
(Persistent acidic urine (pH <5.5) - Uric Acid &
Cystine Stones Trapped in the urinary tract and
(Persistent alkaline urine - Calcium phospate)
(Magnesium ammonium phosphate stone)
attracts other crystals to form a
calculus.

High urine saturation may substances

encourages crystal formation and
results in calculus growth

Calculi may occur on the papillae, renal

tubules, calyces, renal pelvis, ureter, or
bladder.