[A crystallographic method in the diagnosis of kidney diseases]

Structural aspects of copper chloride crystallization of the urine of patients with pyelonephritis and glomerulonephritis were studied by electron microscopy. It was found that admixtures of urea, creatinine, potassium and, possibly, sodium contained in the urine of patients initiate the formation of copper chloride crystals of different sizes, their shape changes, dendritic and spherolithic crystallization occurs. Results may be used as supplementary differential diagnostic signs of glomerulonephritis and pyelonephritis.