A 45-year-old construction worker complained of excruciating intermittent pain in the kidney area, radiating across the abdomen and into the genital area. He also had chills, fever, and nausea. He noticed increased frequency of urination and moderate hematuria. Pertinent 24-hour urinalysis findings indicated crystalline substances in the sediment identified as calcium in nature and a urinary calcium of 300 mg/day. X-ray findings indicated localized stones in the renal pelvis. This person was encouraged to increase his water intake to at least 1.0ñ1.5 L/day and slightly decrease his dietary calcium.

1. This calcium stone former may have the hereditary condition known as idiopathic hypercalciuria. What does this mean?

2. How do stones, or calculi, form?

3. Are calculi formed from minerals or compounds other than calcium? If so, give examples.

4. List some ways renal calculi are removed.