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Cystinuria: urine sediment as a diagnostic test
María Pierna1, Mohamed Abdelgabar2, Raquel Fernández-Rivas3
1Department of Clinical Analyses, Hospital de Mérida, Polígono Nueva Ciudad s/n, 06800, Mérida, Badajoz, Spain.
Advances in Laboratory Medicine
|June 26, 2023
Summary
Urinary sediment analysis is crucial for diagnosing conditions like cystinuria, even in older adults without prior history. Microscopic examination of urine sediment aids in identifying genetic diseases presenting as renal colic.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics
- Urology
- Medical Genetics
Background:
- Urinary sediment analysis is a key diagnostic tool in clinical laboratories.
- Standardized protocols for routine microscopic urinary sediment examination are essential.
- Accurate interpretation of urinary crystals is vital for disease identification.
Observation:
- An elderly male presented with acute left iliac fossa pain.
- Urinalysis revealed proteinuria and hematuria.
- Urinary sediment analysis identified abundant hexagonal crystals, characteristic of cystine.
Findings:
- The case confirmed cystinuria, a genetic disorder, diagnosed via urinary sediment microscopy.
- Amino acid analysis corroborated the presence of elevated cystine levels.
- This diagnosis was made in an elderly patient with no prior history, highlighting atypical presentation.
Implications:
- This case underscores the diagnostic value of routine urinary sediment examination.
- It demonstrates the potential for diagnosing genetic disorders like cystinuria in later life.
- Highlights the need for robust laboratory protocols for microscopic urinalysis.
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