CYSTINURIC LITHIASIS

Abstract

One hundred and fifteen years ago, Wollaston¹gave the first description of cystin. He identified a bladder stone as being composed of a protein derivative which differed essentially from the ordinary urinary stones composed of crystalline salts. His original description applies very becomingly to the specimen that was obtained in this case. He said, in part: In appearance these calculi resemble more nearly the triple phosphate of magnesia than any other calculi, but they are more compact than that compound is usually found to be, not consisting of distinct laminae, but appearing as one mass confusedly crystallized throughout its substance.... These crystals have a yellowish semitransparency; and they have also a peculiar glistening luster like that of a body having a high refractive density. Since Wollaston's discovery in 1810, there have been only 181 cases of cystinuria reported, 124 of which were complicated with stone formation. Among 600 cases