NEPHROCALCINOSIS

Abstract

The term nephrocalcinosis as used in this paper refers to bilateral diffuse calcifications in the renal parenchyma, generally in the pyramids and demonstrable by roentgen examination. In cases of nephrocalcinosis there is disturbed renal function associated usually with hyperchloremia and acidosis. There is also disturbed calcium metabolism; osteomalacia or rickets may eventually develop. Frequently there are few clinical symptoms in the early stages of the disease, but later weakness, anorexia, polyuria and polydipsia may be observed. Sometimes patients with nephrocalcinosis are referred to the urlogist because they have passed urinary calculi. This disorder was described by Butler, Wilson and Farber¹ in 1936. In 1940 Albright and others² reported a case of nephrocalcinosis in a 13 year old girl which was associated with rickets and dwarfism. Careful metabolic studies were carried out, resulting in an effective therapeutic regimen. These and two additional cases were described in the monograph