DefinitionNephrocalcinosis is a disorder in which there is too much calcium deposited in the kidneys. It is common in premature babies. CausesAny disorder that leads to high levels of calcium in the blood or urine may lead to nephrocalcinosis. In this disorder, calcium deposits in the kidney tissue itself. Most of the time, both kidneys are affected. Nephrocalcinosis is related to, but not the same as, kidney stones (nephrolithiasis). Conditions that can cause nephrocalcinosis include:
Other possible causes of nephrocalcinosis include:
SymptomsMost of the time, there are no early symptoms of nephrocalcinosis beyond those of the condition causing the problem. People who also have kidney stones may have:
Later symptoms related to nephrocalcinosis may be associated with long-term (chronic) kidney failure. Exams and TestsNephrocalcinosis may be discovered when symptoms of renal insufficiency, kidney failure, obstructive uropathy, or urinary tract stones develop. Imaging tests can help diagnose this condition. Tests that may be done include:
Other tests that may be done to diagnose and determine the severity of associated disorders include:
TreatmentThe goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms, prevent more calcium from building up in the kidneys, and reduce kidney damage. Treatment will involve methods to reduce abnormal levels of calcium, phosphate, and oxalate in the blood and urine. Options include making changes in your diet and taking medicines and supplements. If you take medicine that causes calcium loss, your health care provider will tell you to stop taking it. Never stop taking any medicine before talking to your provider. Other symptoms, including kidney stones, should be treated as appropriate. Outlook (Prognosis)What to expect depends on the complications and cause of the disorder. Proper treatment may help prevent further deposits in the kidneys. In most cases, there is no way to remove deposits that have already formed. Many deposits of calcium in the kidneys do not always mean severe damage to the kidneys. Possible ComplicationsComplications may include:
When to Contact a Medical ProfessionalContact your provider if you know you have a disorder that causes high levels of calcium in your blood and urine. Also call if you develop symptoms of nephrocalcinosis. PreventionPrompt treatment of disorders that lead to nephrocalcinosis, including RTA, may help prevent it from developing. Drinking plenty of water to keep the kidneys flushed and draining will help prevent or decrease stone formation as well. ReferencesBushinsky DA. Kidney stones. In: Melmed S, Auchus RJ, Goldfine AB, Koenig RJ, Rosen CJ, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 32. Chen W, Bushinsky DA. Nephrolithiasis and nephrocalcinosis. In: Johnson RJ, Floege J, Tonelli M, eds. Comprehensive Clinical Nephrology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 60. Tublin M, Levine D, Thurston W, Wilson SR. The kidney and urinary tract. In: Rumack CM, Levine D, eds. Diagnostic Ultrasound. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 9. Vogt BA, Springel T. The kidney and urinary tract of the neonate. In: Martin RJ, Fanaroff AA, Walsh MC, eds. Fanaroff and Martin's Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 93. | |
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Review Date: 7/1/2023 Reviewed By: Kelly L. Stratton, MD, FACS, Associate Professor, Department of Urology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. | |
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Male urinary syste
