Anuria in a 9-month-old infant resulting from ureteral cystine stones

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Nephrology
• Urology
• Medical Case Reports

Background:

• Pediatric urolithiasis and anuria in early infancy are uncommon conditions.
• Cystine stones can form prenatally or in early infancy, posing significant risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of obstructive anuria caused by cystine stones in a 9-month-old infant.
• To highlight the diagnostic and management challenges of pediatric urolithiasis.

Main Methods:

• A 9-month-old female infant presented with a 3-day history of absent micturition.
• Radiological imaging revealed bilateral kidney stones and a single functioning unit.
• Urgent percutaneous nephrostomy and subsequent ureterolithotomy were performed.

Main Results:

• The infant had obstructive anuria due to four left ureteral cystine stones and an atrophic right kidney.
• Initial laboratory values showed elevated serum creatinine (6.7 mg/dl) and potassium (6 mg/dl).
• Post-nephrostomy, creatinine and potassium levels normalized within 3 days.

Conclusions:

• Pure cystine stones caused obstructive anuria in this infant.
• Prompt urinary diversion and surgical stone removal are crucial for managing such cases.
• Early diagnosis and intervention are vital in preventing irreversible kidney damage.