Urolithiasis in a Patient Ingesting Pure Silica: A Scanning Electron Microscopy Study

Authors

D. B. Leusmann, Universität Münster
J. Pohl, Universität Münster
G. Kleinhans, Universität Münster

Abstract

A patient who repeatedly produced urinary calculi, had consumed about 3g of cristobalite (SiO₂) per day for many years. Investigations using scanning electron microscopy revealed minute particles containing silicon in the core of the stone as well as in urine sediment. A mechanism similar to that proposed for the effect of silicon-containing drugs against gastric ulcer, may play a role in this formation of silicon-containing urinary stones.

Recommended Citation

Leusmann, D. B.; Pohl, J.; and Kleinhans, G. (1986) "Urolithiasis in a Patient Ingesting Pure Silica: A Scanning Electron Microscopy Study," Scanning Electron Microscopy: Vol. 1986: No. 2, Article 44.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/electron/vol1986/iss2/44