Study of the microstructure of renal stones: uric acid and calcium oxalate

This paper represents the results of experimental study on the microstructure of uric acid and calcium oxalate crystallites in renal stones. The size distribution parameters and morphological characteristics of the microcrystals forming the stone were determined using SEM and image analysing system. Information on the fabric of the renal stones examined indicates that the mean volume diameter is 15.5 microns for uric acid and 32 microns for calcium oxalate stones. The polydispersity index gamma, the shape factor phi, and the distribution of particle shape show close similarity. Quantitative studies on stone microstructure could furnish valuable information on stone genesis.