Importance of citrate and the calcium : citrate ratio in patients with calcium renal lithiasis and severe lithogenesis.

UNLABELLED: Different studies have shown the importance of citrate in the formation of calcium stones. It has further been shown that the states of metabolic acidosis result in an increase in bone resorption and lower urinary citrate levels. Increasing the intake of citrate in these patients can reduce the lithogenic risk and improve bone mineral density (BMD), contributing to control of both diseases. The study shows the importance of citrate in patients with calcium stones and BMD loss. The deficit in citrate excretion is associated with a decrease in bone mineralization and increased ß-crosslaps. A calcium : citrate ratio >0.25 in patients with calcium stones and loss of mineral density may predict severe lithogenic activity. OBJECTIVE: To analyse the importance of urinary citrate and the urinary calcium : citrate ratio in patients with calcium renal lithiasis and severe lithogenesis compared with a control group of patients without lithiasis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 115 patients in eastern Andalusia, Spain was conducted. The patients were divided into two groups: Group A: 56 patients aged 25-60 years without calcium renal lithiasis; Group B: 59 patients aged 25-60 years, presenting with calcium renal lithiasis and severe lithogenesis. The citrate levels and the calcium : citrate ratio in the patients' urine and the relationship of these two factors to lithiasic activity were analysed and compared. RESULTS: In Group B, 32.2% of the patients presented with hypocitraturia, compared with 14.3% of the patients in Group A (P = 0.02). The urinary citrate levels were lower in Group B than in Group A (P = 0.001) and the calcium : citrate ratio was higher in Group B than in Group A (P = 0.005). The results suggest that a patient urinary calcium : citrate ratio > 0.25 indicates severe lithogenesis (with a sensitivity of 89% and a specificity of 57%). After linear regression analysis, we found that the urinary citrate level is an independent factor associated with the changes in bone densitometry T-score values of patients. CONCLUSIONS: The patients with severe lithogenesis presented with hypocitraturia, which was associated with lower bone mineral density. The calcium : citrate ratio, which is linearly related to the bone resorption marker ß-crosslaps, could be useful in evaluating the risk of severe lithogenesis when this ratio is >0.25.

Segmental testicular infarction: partial orchiectomy in a very rare pathology.

Segmental testicular infarctions are a rare disease with a low prevalence and few cases have been reported in the literature. We present a 26-year-old male without any relevant medical history who consulted at the Urology Department due to mild pain in the right testicle over the last month. He had no previous trauma or acute testicular pain. Partial orchiectomy was performed through an inguinal incision with removal of lesions and reconstruction of the testicular parenchyma. Histological examination revealed testicular infarction with no presence of neoplastic cells.

Androgenetic alopecia as an early marker of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

BACKGROUND: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and benign prostatic hyperplasia are both androgen-dependent entities that respond to the blocking of 5-alpha-reductase. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to determine whether prostatic volumes and urinary flow changes were higher in patients with early-onset AGA than in healthy control subjects. METHODS: This was an observational case-control study of 87 men: 45 with early-onset AGA diagnosed in the dermatology department and 42 control subjects. End-point variables were prostatic volume, measured by transrectal ultrasound, and urinary flow, measured by urinary flowmetry. A hormone study was performed on all participants, and the International Prostate Symptom Score and International Index of Erectile Function score were determined. RESULTS: The groups did not significantly differ in mean age (cases, 52.7 years vs control subjects, 49.8 years; P = .12). Patients with AGA had significantly higher mean prostate volume (29.65 vs 20.24 mL, P < .0001), International Prostate Symptom Score (4.93 vs 1.23, P < .0001), and prostate-specific antigen value (1.53 vs 0.94 ng/mL, P < .0001) and significantly lower maximum urinary flow (14.5 vs 22.45 mL/s, P < .0001) versus control subjects. Binary logistic regression analysis showed a strong association between the presence of AGA and benign prostatic hyperplasia after adjusting for age, urinary volume, urination time, International Prostate Symptom Score, abdominal obesity, glucose levels, systolic blood pressure, insulin levels, fibrinogen, and C-reactive protein (odds ratio = 5.14, 95% confidence interval 1.23-47.36, P = .041). LIMITATIONS: The study of larger sample sizes would facilitate stratified analyses according to the Ebling type of androgenetic alopecia. CONCLUSION: There is a relationship between the presence of AGA and prostate growth-associated urinary symptoms, likely attributable to their pathophysiological similarity. This study suggests that early-onset AGA may be an early marker of urinary/prostatic symptomatology. Future studies may clarify whether treatment of patients with AGA may benefit the concomitant benign prostatic hypertrophy, which would be present at an earlier stage in its natural evolution.

Value of focal applied energy quotient in treatment of ureteral lithiasis with shock waves.

The treatment of ureteral lithiasis by extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is progressively being abandoned owing to advances in endoscopic lithotripsy. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the causes as to why ESWL is less effective-with a measurable parameter: focal applied energy quotient (FAEQ) that allows us to apply an improvement project in ESWL results for ureteral lithiasis. A prospective observational cohort study with 3-year follow-up and enrollment period was done with three groups of cases. In Group A, 83 cases of ureteral lithiasis were treated by endoscopic lithotripsy using Holmiun:YAG laser. In Group B, 81 cases of ureteral lithiasis were treated by ESWL using Doli-S device (EMSE 220F-XXP). In Group C, 65 cases of ureteral lithiasis were treated by ESWL using Doli-S device (EMSE 220F-XXP) (FAEQ >10). Statistical study and calculation of RR, NNT, Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and Student's t test were done. Efficiency quotient (EQ) and focal applied energy quotient [FAEQ = (radioscopy seconds/number of shock waves) × ESWL session J] were analyzed. From the results, the success rate of the treatment using Holmium:YAG laser lithotripsy and ESWL is found to be 94 and 48%, respectively, with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). Success rate of endoscopic laser lithotripsy for lumbar ureteral stones was 82% versus 57% of ESWL (p = 0.611). In Group B, FAEQ was 8.12. In Group C, success rate was 93.84% with FAEQ of 10.64%. When we compare results from endoscopic lithotripsy with Holmium:YAG laser in Group B with results from ESWL with FAEQ >10, we do not observe absolute benefit choosing one or the other. In conclusion, the application of ESWL with FAEQ >10, that is, improving radiologic focalization of the calculus and increasing the number of Joules/SW, makes possible a treatment as safe and equally efficient as Holmium:YAG laser lithotripsy in ureteral lithiasis less than 13 mm.

The oblique supine decubitus position: technical description and comparison of results with the prone decubitus and dorsal supine decubitus positions.

Our objective was to analyze the advantages of the percutaneous nephrolithotomy in oblique supine decubitus compared to the prone and dorsal supine position. In 87 patients diagnosed with urolithiasis (495.5-530.8 mm(2)), percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) was performed from 2000 to 2011. The patients were divided into three groups: Group A, 32 patients, PNL in the prone decubitus position; Group B, 24 patients, PNL in the dorsal supine position; Group C, 31 patients, PNL in the oblique supine position. We analyzed intraoperative parameters, complications, and results among the three groups. The three procedures were performed with a single access, 24-30 Ch. No statistically significant differences were found among the three groups regarding the patients' characteristics, or the morphology or size of the kidney stone treated. The operation time was shorter in the cases of PNL in dorsal supine and oblique supine compared to the prone position. The complication rate was very similar in the three groups. The main advantage of the PNL in oblique supine compared to the dorsal supine was that the puncture could in all cases be directed by ultrasonography, with greater precision, more safety, and more control of the percutaneous renal access. The oblique supine decubitus position is a safe position for the percutaneous treatment of urolithiasis and it becomes easier when the puncture is guided by ultrasound.

Is the fasting calcium/creatinine a bone resorption marker in patients with calcium renal stones?

Osteoporosis and osteopenia are an important endocrine-metabolic disease that affect women and men from a certain age and it has a high risk and health cost. The aim of this short communication is to show that fasting calcium/creatinine ratio in patients with calcium stones is a marker of bone resorption.We studied 180 patients with renal stones with calcium composition and the relationship of them between the calcium/creatinine in urine after 8 h of fasting with bone densitometry (T-score) and values of bone resorption marker ß-crosslaps (ng/ml). The Pearson correlation test was applied for the analysis of linear correlations between quantitative variables.We have observed a statistically significant positive linear correlation between the fasting calcium/creatinine and serum and ß-crosslaps (R = 0.534, p < 0.0001) and a statistically significant negative linear correlation between fasting calcium/creatinine and T-score of bone densitometry in hip (R = -0.237, p = 0.002), femoral neck (R = -0.217, p = 0.009) and lumbar spine (R = 0.292, p = 0.001).The fasting ratio calcium/creatinine in urine is associated with increased levels of ß-crosslaps marker and therefore may be useful as a marker of bone resorption in these patients.

Osteopenia/osteoporosis in patients with calcium nephrolithiasis.

The objective of this study is to analyze the alterations in bone mineral density and bone and calcium-phosphorus metabolism in patients with calcium nephrolithiasis. We designed a study with 182 patients who were distributed among three groups: group O, 56 patients without nephrolithiasis; group A, 67 patients with calcium nephrolithiasis and mild lithogenic activity; and group B, 59 patients with calcium nephrolithiasis and severe lithogenic activity. Metabolic parameters of blood and urine that were related to calcium-phosphorous and bone metabolism and bone densitometry were assessed in all patients. A comparative study was performed on the variables of bone and calcium-phosphorus metabolism and bone densitometry as well as the presence or absence of osteopenia/osteoporosis. The patients in group B had a greater loss of bone mineral density, measured by the T-score, than the patients in groups O and A. Moreover, the proportion of patients in group B with osteopenia/osteoporosis was statistically significantly higher than the proportion of patients in groups O and A. We observed higher values of calciuria, fasting calcium/creatinine ratio, and 24-h calcium/creatinine among the patients in group B compared to the other two groups. Calciuria, citraturia, and fasting calcium/creatinine were independent factors that showed a relationship with severe lithogenic activity compared to the control group, and ß-crosslaps is an independent factor that has a relationship with severe lithogenic activity as compared to mild lithogenic activity. Patients with calcium lithiasis and severe lithogenic activity have a greater loss in bone mineral density and therefore a greater risk of osteopenia/osteoporosis.

Hypercalciuria, hyperoxaluria, and hypocitraturia screening from random urine samples in patients with calcium lithiasis.

Calcium lithiasis is the most frequently diagnosed renal lithiasis and is associated with a high percentage of patients with metabolic disorders, such as hypercalciuria, hypocitraturia, and hyperoxaluria. The present study included 50 patients with recurrent calcium lithiasis. We conducted a random urine test during nocturnal fasting and a 24-h urine test, and examined calcium, oxalate, and citrate. A study of the linear correlation between the metabolites was performed, and the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were analyzed in the random urine samples to determine the cutoff values for hypercalciuria (excretion greater than 200 mg), hyperoxaluria (excretion greater than 40 mg), and hypocitraturia (excretion less than 320 mg) in the 24-h urine. Linear relationships were observed between the calcium levels in the random and 24-h urine samples (R = 0.717, p = 0.0001), the oxalate levels in the random and 24-h urine samples (R = 0.838, p = 0.0001), and the citrate levels in the random and 24-h urine samples (R = 0.799, p = 0.0001). After obtaining the ROC curves, we observed that more than 10.15 mg/dl of random calcium and more than 16.45 mg/l of random oxalate were indicative of hypercalciuria and hyperoxaluria, respectively, in the 24-h urine. In addition, we found that the presence of less than 183 mg/l of random citrate was indicative of the presence of hypocitraturia in the 24-h urine. Using the proposed values, screening for hypercalciuria, hyperoxaluria, and hypocitraturia can be performed with a random urine sample during fasting with an overall sensitivity greater than 86%.

Complications from the placement of a tension-free suburethral sling using the transobturator and retropubic methods for treatment of female urinary incontinence.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to retrospectively analyze surgical complications arising from the collocation of suburethral mesh in the lower urinary tract, using both the transobturator and retropubic methods. PATIENTS AND METHODS: During the period between November 2002 and June 2011, we retrospectively studied 190 patients that were treated for stress urinary incontinence using a tension-free suburethral sling. 50 patients were treated using the retropubic route (SPARC®), and 140 patients were treated using a transobturator (MONARC®). RESULTS: In total, 16.57% of the patients presented with intraoperative, immediate postoperative or later postoperative complications. We observed a higher rate of complications with patients who were operated on retropubically (26%) than with patients who were operated on using the transobturator method (12%). CONCLUSIONS: The rate of complications for our study was low, and was even lower in the case of transobturator tape. Thus, we usually used transobturator tape in the treatment of stress incontinence.

Metabolic syndrome, hormone levels, and inflammation in patients with erectile dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: The end point of this study was to investigate the prevalence of MS in patients with ED in comparison with control subjects and to analyse the association with acute phase reactants (CRP, ESR) and hormone levels. METHODS: This case-control study included 65 patients, 37 with erectile dysfunction, according to the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) from the Urology Department of San Cecilio University Hospital, Granada (Spain) and 28 healthy controls. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was calculated according to ATP-III criteria. Hormone levels and acute phase parameters were studied in samples drawn. RESULTS: The ATP-III criteria for MS were met by 64.9% of the patients with ED and only 9.5% of the controls (P < 0.0001, OR = 17.53, 95% CI: 3.52-87.37). Binary logistic regression analysis showed a strong association between patients with ED and MS, even after additional adjustment for confounding factors (OR = 20.05, 95% CI: 1.24-32.82, P < 0.034). Patients with hypogonadism presented a significantly higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that systolic BP and CRP predicted 0.46 (model R²) of IIEF changes. CONCLUSION: Chronic inflammation found in patients with ED might explain the association between ED and metabolic syndrome.

Vesicoureteral refulx in overactive bladder: medical resolution through botulin toxin injection.

OBJECTIVE: Overactive bladder may have a neurogenic or non neurogenic origin. Sometimes, as a result of detrusor overactivity, disorders of the upper urinary tract function may appear. One of these alterations may be the appearance of associated vesicoureteral reflux. The treatment of overactive bladder may be done with anticholinergic drugs and if there is not response the use of botulin toxin type A is approved. The aim of this case report is to demonstrate the effect of botulin toxin type A in the treatment of overactive bladder and vesicoureteral reflux secondary to the overactive bladder. METHOD: We present the case of a 10-year-old patient without significant past medical history. When he was one year old he had a urinary infection and voiding cystourethrogram showed grade 1 right vesicoureteral reflux. When he was 4 year old he presented several episodes of pyelonephritis and then he was diagnosed of severe bilateral vesicoureteral reflux, which did not respond to treatment with Macroplastic ® or Deflux ®. Urodynamic study was performed showing overactive bladder with decreased bladder compliance. RESULTS: We performed intravesical injection of 200 U of botulin toxin type A and vesicoureteral reflux disappeared and urodynamic study improved. One year later we re-injected botulin toxin type A (300 U) and we repeated the injection after one year (300 U). The patient is currently well, without changes in the urodynamic study and without vesicoureteral reflux. CONCLUSION: Repeated injections of botulin toxin type A has shown great efficacy in the treatment of overactive bladder in children with vesicoureteral reflux improved secondary.

Mineral density and bone remodelling markers in patients with calcium lithiasis.

UNLABELLED: What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? Hypercalciuria is related with bone mineral density loss. This study demonstrates the relationship between recurrent calcium nephrolithiasis and bone mineral density loss and their correlation with bone markers. OBJECTIVES: • To show that a relationship exists between the loss of bone mineral density (BMD) and calcium renal lithiasis and that bone remodelling markers correlate with changes in BMD. • It is possible that many cases hypercalciuria are related to the increase of bone turnover and the predominance of bone resorption phenomena. PATIENTS AND METHODS: • The present study comprised a transversal investigation in three groups: group O, without lithiasis; group A, with a single episode of lithiasis; and group B, with relapsed calcium renal lithiasis. • An analysis was made of body mass index; abdominal X-ray and/or urography and renal ultrasonography; osteocalcin and ß-crosslaps bone markers; calcium and citrate concentrations in the urine; and femur and spinal column bone densitometry. • The results were analyzed by analysis of variance and Pearson's correlation coefficient. RESULTS: • Patients with relapsed calcium renal lithiasis present a greater BMD loss than those in the O or A groups. • Densitometry: T-score femur -0.2 group O, -0.5 group A, -1.2 group B (P= 0.001); T-score column -0.6 group O, -0.6 group A, -1.3 group B (P= 0.05). • A statistically significant negative correlation exists between values of ß-crosslaps and T-score femur (R=-0.251; P= 0.009) and T-score column (R=-0.324; P= 0.001); thus, a higher concentration of ß-crosslaps was accompanied by a lower value of the T-score and a greater loss of BMD. • A positive relationship is observed between ß-crosslaps and osteocalcin (R= 0.611; P < 0.001) and between calciuria and cocient ß-crosslaps/osteocalcin (R= 0.303; P= 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: • A statistically significant relationship is shown between the loss of BMD and relapsed calcium renal lithiasis. • Determination of bone remodelling markers (i.e. osteocalcin and ß-crosslaps) facilitates the diagnosis of osteopaenia/osteoporosis in these patients.

Bladder lithiasis on tension-free polypropylene tape after TVT technique.

We describe a case of a 74-year-old woman with a history of hysterectomy and subsequent placement of tension-free tape, according to TVT procedure, who presented with bladder lithiasis secondary to bladder perforation after placement of the aforementioned tape. The treatment included endoscopic lithotripsy for lithiasis removal and resection of distal and proximal ends of intra-bladder tape with the aid of endoscopic scissors, and photocoagulation of the resulting carved lesions with Holmium:Yag laser. The composition of lithiasis was magnesium ammonium phosphate with some calcium phosphate 1 month later, the patient feels asymptomatic; cystoscopy reveals complete restitution of bladder mucosa and absence of intra-bladder protrusion of the aforementioned material.

Treatment of ureteral lithiasis with tamsulosin: literature review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Ninety percent of ureteral calculi <4 mm are expelled over a period of 3 months; if they are >6 mm the elimination possibilities are reduced to 30%. Presently, investigations in the treatment of ureteral lithiasis have the objective of modifying ureter contractibility with the aid of calcium antagonist and alpha-blocking drugs. The objective of this study is to analyze the effect of tamsulosin in the treatment of the distal ureter lithiasis and to make a systematic analysis of the literature. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a prospective study 70 cases of distal ureter lithiasis were divided into 2 groups: group 1 = 35 cases treated with ibuprofen (600 mg/12 h) and 2,000 ml water/24 h with tramadol on demand, and group 2 = 35 cases with the same treatment as described before plus tamsulosin 0.4 mg/day over 3 weeks. The number of stone-free patients, time to expulsion and the necessity for analgesia were evaluated. A literature review (2002-2007) and meta-analysis of 11 studies was performed. Statistical analysis included relative risk (RR), number needed to treat (NNT) and chi(2) test. RESULTS: Group 1 reported 19 stone expulsions (54.3%) and group 2 30 expulsions [85.7%, chi(2) = 8.23 (p < 0.01), RR = 1.58, NNT = 3 (95% CI 2-9)]. The mean time to expulsion was 14 days in group 1 and 8 days in group 2. No side effects were detected. Meta-analysis included 792 patients: 392 patients in group 1 and 400 patients in group 2. Group 1 reported 211 stone expulsions (53.8%) and group 2 reported 332 expulsions [83%, chi(2) = 78.17 (p < 0.01), RR = 1.54, absolute benefit = 29.2% (95% CI 23-35.3%), NNT = 3 (95% CI 3-4)]. The mean time to expulsion was 9.45 days in group 1 and 6.07 days in group 2 treated with tamsulosin; a significant difference was observed in all studies. CONCLUSIONS: Tamsulosin increases the elimination of distal ureter lithiasis of <10 mm.

Gross calcification on distal end of ureteral stent.

OBJECTIVE: The commonest indications for ureteral stent placement are: obstructive nephrolithiasis, renoureteral surgery, urologic oncology, endourology and extrinsic ureteral compression. METHODS: We report the case of a 77-year-old male patient with a DJ ureteral catheter placed for an 8-month period and history of nephrolithiasis; the stent showed a 60 mm x 30 mm calcification on its distal end. RESULTS: Open cystolithotomy and removal of stent resolved the clinic symptomatology. CONCLUSION: A prolonged indwell time of stents, as well as a history of nephrolithiasis and urinary infections may on many occasions result in calcification and encrustation of ureteral stents, and will lead to the use of endourology techniques, extracorporeal lithotripsy or open surgery to resolve these conditions.

Renal lithiasis in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. Evolution and treatment.

OBJECTIVES: The relationship between hyperparathyroidism and lithiasis is quite known, so the study of parathyroid glands is especially mandatory in the face of relapses. Our objective is to analyze both primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) associated with renal lithiasis and the evolution of this condition after parathyroidectomy, as well as to study factors associated with the presence of lithiasis or bone pathology, and carry out a review on bibliography. METHODS: We describe a retrospective study of a series comprising 287 cases of hyperparathyroidism: 237 of them were primary and the remaining 50, secondary. We have included: sex, age, evolution time and symptoms, diagnostic tests (biochemical, radiological and histological). Factors such as number of episodes prior to diagnosis and treatments were analyzed in patients with symptomatic lithiasis to know whether patients exhibited residual lithiasis after the management of calculi or whether patients underwent episodes after parathyroidectomy, or whether or not they were treated. Statistical analysis was carried out through SPSS 15.0 for Windows. RESULTS: Forty five percent of the patients had suffered lithiasis episodes; 50%, osteopenia/osteoporosis; 23%, musculoskeletal pain; 23%, asthenia and/or depressive syndrome. In 13.5% of cases, diagnosis was supported by the presence of hypercalcemia; no other symptoms were detected. We have analyzed factors that favor or inhibit renal lithiasis formation and compared biochemical parameters from the group of primary hyperthyroidism that exhibited lithiasis (41 patients) with those patients who did not (49). We noted that lithiasis patients showed higher values of calcium, alkaline phosphatase, intact PTH, mean PTH, osteocalcin, and chlorine/phosphate, calciuria and phosphaturia indexes. Student's t test on two independent samples revealed significant statistical differences in calcium levels (p<0.05), intact PTH (<.05) and osteocalcin. CONCLUSIONS: Primary hyperparathyroidism patients with lithiasis presented higher values of parathormone, alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, and Cl/P and calciuria indexes than lithiasis-free PHPT patients. These patients exhibit objective improvement of symptoms after parathyroidectomy, and rarely a recurrence of lithiasis, a factor that generally coincides with persistence of residual lithiasis.

Relationship between biopsy Gleason score and radical prostatectomy specimen Gleason score in patients undergoing sextant vs 12 core biopsies.

OBJECTIVES: Our goal is to analyze the degree of concordance between the Gleason score (GS) obtained in prostate biopsies and the one after radical prostatectomy. The intention is to know whether 12-core biopsy, instead of 6 (sextant biopsy), improves, or not, this correlation. METHODS: A Cohort/prevalence study was conducted on 128 patients who underwent prostate biopsy and subsequent radical prostatectomy. Patients showing biopsy Gleason values greater or equal to 6 were selected as candidates for radical prostatectomy. RESULTS: Mean age of the group of 128 patients was 62.9 years, with a mean PSA value of 8.53ng/ml. There was concordance between biopsy Gleason score and that obtained after radical prostatectomy in 63.28% of cases, while discordance was found in 36.72% of cases. There were not significant statistical differences after comparing results obtained between Gleason score concordance after 6 or 12-core biopsies and that obtained after radical prostatectomy. CONCLUSIONS: We have noticed a low correlation between Gleason score after biopsy when it was compared with that obtained after radical prostatectomy, while these results are similar to those found in the literature. We did not find better results regarding Gleason score correlation after biopsies performed with 12 cores instead of 6.

Treatment of ureteric lithiasis with retrograde ureteroscopy and holmium: YAG laser lithotripsy vs extracorporeal lithotripsy.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the efficiency of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) vs retrograde ureteroscopy and holmium:YAG laser lithotripsy, as ESWL is successful in 67-90% of cases but endoscopic lithotripsy with pneumatic lithotrites or lasers is successful in 90-96% of distal ureteric calculi, and holmium:YAG lithotripsy is effective in proximal ureteric calculi. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From April 2006 to April 2008 we assessed 164 patients undergoing ureteric lithiasis in two homogeneous groups: group A included 83 treated with retrograde ureteroscopy and holmium:YAG endoscopic lithotripsy, and group B, 81 treated by ESWL. For laser lithotripsy we used 2071 mJ pulses at 3-6 Hz, with a mean of 1105 pulses and 2.5 kJ of total energy. ESWL was carried out using 37.5-87.5 mJ shock waves, a mean of 3650 shock waves and 187.6 J, with a radioscopy time of 1-4 min. The results were assessed after 3 weeks with plain films and ultrasonography, or urography. The efficiency of each procedure was assessed by calculating the relative risk, and results compared using the chi-square or Student's t-test. The efficiency quotient (EQ) was determined for both procedures, and the focal applied energy quotient (FAEQ) used to assess ESWL. RESULTS: The overall success rate for retrograde ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy was 96.4% (80/83 patients), with an EQ of 0.52; a JJ catheter was placed in 67 patients. The success rate for the first ESWL session was 48%, and after repeat ESWL was 64% (52/81 patients), giving an EQ of 0.39. For successful treatments the FAEQ was 9.22, vs 6.47 for the failures (P < 0.005). There was a significant difference (P < 0.001) favouring laser lithotripsy, with an absolute benefit of 46% (95% confidence interval 33.8-57.9%), and number needed to treat of 2 (2-3), but no significant differences for lumbar ureteric calculi. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic lithotripsy with the holmium laser is more effective than ESWL, but for lumbar ureteric calculi ESWL is therapeutically recommended as it is less invasive.

[Imaging characterization of renal masses. Image atlas]. / Caracterización por la imagen de las masas renales. Atlas por la imagen.

The diagnostic study, analysis and characterization of renal masses and their behavior is one of the key elements for elaborating a surgical or therapeutic strategy, determining the prognosis, and for the follow-up of treatment efficacy in patients with benign or malignant disease. At present, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are the two most reliable, effective and efficient instruments in this context--offering sensitivity and specificity values in excess of 87%, with a diagnostic relaibility of over 90% in application to renal masses of a cystic or complex nature, with nonspecific or specific inflammatory characteristics, or of a primary or secondary neoplastic nature. The aim of this study is to present the principal CT and MRI parameters in relation to renal pathology of this kind, correlating them to the clinical, physiopathological and histopathological data with a view to affording architectural, density, signal intensity and biological behavior parametric information of help in understanding the changes occurring in the renal and retroperitoneal regions secondary to such pathologies.