IgG4-related inflammatory pancreatic head pseudotumor mirrors pancreatic head tumor: A novel case series with a review of the literature.

Key Clinical Message: In this noteworthy case series regarding pancreatic pseudo tumors, we intend to spread knowledge among physicians for the diagnostic and therapeutic approach and eventual disease prognosis. Abstract: Inflammatory pseudotumor of pancreatic head greatly mimics pancreatic head tumor. One of them is IgG4-related pancreatic disease, which is commonly mistaken as neoplastic disease on imaging. In our novel case series, we report three cases of IgG4-related pancreatic head pseudotumor with patients ranging from 35 to 72 years of age. Patients presented with jaundice and abdominal pain. Alongside initial laboratory workup, abdominal CTs and serum IgG4 levels were also obtained. Imaging features in conjunction with IgG4 levels confirmed the diagnosis of IgG4-related autoimmune pancreatitis. Pancreatic pseudotumors are notorious for being often reported as real tumors. Through our noteworthy case series, we intend to highlight the imaging features and laboratory markers that are crucial in such cases to avoid invasive procedures.

Insulin and Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 Signaling Preserves Sarcomere Integrity in the Adult Heart.

Insulin and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) signaling is transduced by insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) and IRS2. To elucidate physiological and redundant roles of insulin and IGF1 signaling in adult hearts, we generated mice with inducible cardiomyocyte-specific deletion of insulin and IGF1 receptors or IRS1 and IRS2. Both models developed dilated cardiomyopathy, and most mice died by 8 weeks post-gene deletion. Heart failure was characterized by cardiomyocyte loss and disarray, increased proapoptotic signaling, and increased autophagy. Suppression of autophagy by activating mTOR signaling did not prevent heart failure. Transcriptional profiling revealed reduced serum response factor (SRF) transcriptional activity and decreased mRNA levels of genes encoding sarcomere and gap junction proteins as early as 3 days post-gene deletion, in concert with ultrastructural evidence of sarcomere disruption and intercalated discs within 1 week after gene deletion. These data confirm conserved roles for constitutive insulin and IGF1 signaling in suppressing autophagic and apoptotic signaling in the adult heart. The present study also identifies an unexpected role for insulin and IGF1 signaling in regulating an SRF-mediated transcriptional program, which maintains expression of genes encoding proteins that support sarcomere integrity in the adult heart, reduction of which results in rapid development of heart failure.

Removal of Small, Asymptomatic Kidney Stones and Incidence of Relapse.

BACKGROUND: The benefits of removing small (≤6 mm), asymptomatic kidney stones endoscopically is unknown. Current guidelines leave such decisions to the urologist and the patient. A prospective study involving older, nonendoscopic technology and some retrospective studies favor observation. However, published data indicate that about half of small renal stones left in place at the time that larger stones were removed caused other symptomatic events within 5 years after surgery. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial in which, during the endoscopic removal of ureteral or contralateral kidney stones, remaining small, asymptomatic stones were removed in 38 patients (treatment group) and were not removed in 35 patients (control group). The primary outcome was relapse as measured by future emergency department visits, surgeries, or growth of secondary stones. RESULTS: After a mean follow-up of 4.2 years, the treatment group had a longer time to relapse than the control group (P<0.001 by log-rank test). The restricted mean (±SE) time to relapse was 75% longer in the treatment group than in the control group (1631.6±72.8 days vs. 934.2±121.8 days). The risk of relapse was 82% lower in the treatment group than the control group (hazard ratio, 0.18; 95% confidence interval, 0.07 to 0.44), with 16% of patients in the treatment group having a relapse as compared with 63% of those in the control group. Treatment added a median of 25.6 minutes (interquartile range, 18.5 to 35.2) to the surgery time. Five patients in the treatment group and four in the control group had emergency department visits within 2 weeks after surgery. Eight patients in the treatment group and 10 in the control group reported passing kidney stones. CONCLUSIONS: The removal of small, asymptomatic kidney stones during surgery to remove ureteral or contralateral kidney stones resulted in a lower incidence of relapse than nonremoval and in a similar number of emergency department visits related to the surgery. (Funded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and the Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02210650.).

A randomised controlled trial of Lichtenstein repair with Desarda repair in the management of inguinal hernias.

BACKGROUND: Ever since the advent of mesh hernioplasty with low recurrence rates, surgeons have turned a blind eye towards its devastating mesh related complications. Consequently, the quest for the best hernia surgery, that is as effective as the mesh repair but lacks its complications, continues. OBJECTIVES: The present study was carried out to compare the results of the Lichtenstein repair with the Desarda repair in the treatment of inguinal hernias. METHODS: A total of 77 patients with 87 hernias were randomly allocated into two groups to undergo either the Desarda repair (Group I, 39 patients with 45 hernias) or the Lichtenstein repair (Group II, Control, 38 patients with 42 hernias). 3 patients didn't complete the follow-up and were excluded from analysis. Finally, 40 hernias were analyzed in the Lichtenstein group and 44 in the Desarda group. RESULTS: After a 6-month follow-up period it was found that neither of the two groups had any recurrence. The incidence of chronic inguinodynia was much higher in the Lichtenstein group as compared to Desarda group. The pain scores, mean operating time, mean time to return to work and analgesic requirement was much lower with the Desarda repair as compared to Lichtenstein repair. CONCLUSION: Desarda repair was found to be as effective as the Lichtenstein repair in terms of recurrence and better in terms of chronic inguinodynia, complications and post operative pain scores. Desarda repair requires a significantly shorter operating time. The economic burden of this repair is much less compared to mesh repair.

The Role of Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Lichtenstein Repair of Primary Inguinal Hernia: A Prospective Double-Blind Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The objective is to study the role of antibiotic prophylaxis, if any, in the prevention of wound infection after open mesh repair of primary inguinal hernias. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients coming to outpatient department for open mesh repair of inguinal hernia were randomized into the placebo group and antibiotic group, a total of 150 patients were enrolled in the study. Follow-up was done up to 1 month to look for any evidence of surgical site infection using the criteria of Centers for Disease Control on wound infection. RESULTS: Twelve patients in the antibiotic group and nine patients in the placebo group were found to have evidence of surgical site infection. This difference was found to be insignificant with P = 0.14. Three patients in the placebo group developed deep surgical site infection but on analysis, this difference was also found to be insignificant with P = 0.122.None of these patients required mesh removal. CONCLUSION: The result of the present study suggests that the use of prophylactic antibiotics during mesh repair of primary inguinal hernias does not give any extra protection from infections. Multicenter meta-analysis is required to give definite guidelines regarding the use of prophylactic antibiotics.

Carcinoid Tumors: from the Past into the Future.

Carcinoids are a rare and slow growing tumor, having a propensity to affect all organs but most commonly involve the gastrointestinal tract, followed by lungs. Carcinoid tumors secrete a variety of peptides and neuroamines. Though clinical presentation is varied and depends on the involved organ along with produced neuroactive amines, common symptoms include flushing, explosive watery diarrhoea and bronchospasm. Estimation of 5-HIAA in 24-hour urine is highly specific. Serum chromogranin is highly sensitive even in non-secretory carcinoids. Octreoscan along with MIBG is a better diagnostic modality as compared to computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging alone. Treatment involves a multidisciplinary approach, including resection of primary tumor and debulking, embolisation of liver carcinoids, somatostatin analogues and chemotherapy. Molecular target therapy with Sunitinib and Bevacizumab have been shown to have a promising role in treatment, with higher response rate and slower progression.

Spontaneous Rectus Sheath Hematoma Masquerading as Acute Abdomen. A Case Report.

A 60-year old female presented to the emergency department with complaints of acute abdominal pain and lump in the right upper abdomen. Physical examination revealed a large tender abdominal lump in the right hypochondrium, extending up to the right lumbar region. Further examination revealed that the lump was parietal and not intra-abdominal. Contrast Enhanced Computed Tomography abdomen was done and a right rectus sheath hematoma was diagnosed. No predisposing factor for spontaneous rectus sheath hematoma was identified. Following an unsuccessful conservative treatment, the patient underwent surgical drainage of rectus sheath hematoma with ligation of bleeding vessels. She fully recovered, with an uneventful postoperative period and without recurrence.

Giant Bladder Calculus in an Adult- A Persistent Problem in the Developing World: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Giant urinary bladder calculus in an adult is an uncommon entity. The number of patients with giant bladder calculi has decreased over recent years owing to wider availability of healthcare and better diagnostic modalities. CASE REPORT: We present a case of a young adult without any history of recurrent urinary tract infections or bladder outlet obstruction with giant vesical calculus who presented to the emergency department with gross hematuria, abdominal pain, and dysuria. Investigations revealed a large calculus in the urinary bladder, and suprapubic cystolithotomy was performed. A large stone of 6.5×6×5.5 centimeters, weighing 125 grams, was removed. On follow-up, the patient was free of any symptoms and cystoscopy was normal. CONCLUSION: Urinary outflow obstruction must be ruled out in all patients with giant vesical calculus. Patients without any predisposing condition should be treated as a separate entity and evaluated accordingly. Multiple surgical treatment modalities are available for bladder calculus patients. Treatment is personalised as per size of stone, number of stones, and associated comorbidities.

Emerging Spectrum of Perforation Peritonitis in Developing World.

Background: Gastrointestinal perforations constitute a major cause of patients with acute abdomen pain coming to the surgery emergency room. Incidence, site of perforation, and age is different in the developing world and is showing new trends. The etiological spectrum in the developing world is different from the western world. This study was conducted to find out the latest trends in perforation peritonitis in India. Methods: This study was conducted in a single surgical unit of Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital, India. A total of 350 consecutive patients with perforation peritonitis were studied in terms of age, sex, seasonal variation, biochemical parameters, clinical presentation, radiological and intraoperative findings, surgical intervention, and postoperative outcome. Results: The most common cause of perforation peritonitis in our study was a duodenal ulcer (~50%) followed by typhoid (20%), traumatic (14.5%), appendicular (7.4%), and tubercular (3.1%) cases. Males were three times more commonly affected than females. Peak incidence was noted in the 2nd and 3rd decades of life. Peptic ulcer perforations were common in autumn and winter and typhoid perforations were common during the summer and rainy seasons. Conclusion: Spectrum of perforation peritonitis cases in this part of world is different from developed western countries. It is different in respect of younger age at presentation, site of perforation, and etiological factors. Infective pathology makes up to a quarter of total cases in the developing world. The developing world has more perforation peritonitis cases involving the upper gastrointestinal tract, while the western world has a predominance of lower gastrointestinal tract perforations.

Spontaneous Gastric Necrosis: A Rare Presentation of Invasive Mucormycosis in an Immunocompetent Adult.

Spontaneous gastric perforations are usually seen in patients with untreated peptic ulcer disease. Mucormycosis, an uncommon, opportunistic, life-threatening fungal infection, rarely causes gastric perforation in immunocompetent adults. Here, we present a case of young female who was admitted to hospital for acute pain abdomen and distension with 5 days history of fever. She was operated and was found to have multiple perforations in the stomach with transmural necrosis. Despite adequate surgical excision and intravenous amphotericin B, patient succumbed to sequelae of infection.

Acute Intestinal Obstruction Due to Ileocolic Intussusception in an Adult; A Rare Presentation of Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor.

BACKGROUND Intussusception is not very common in adults, and acute intestinal obstruction with intussusception due to inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is extremely rare. IMT is an uncommon lesion and has no single defined cause. It predominantly affects the pediatric age group and commonly involves the lungs. Here we present a case of IMT causing ileocolic intussusception leading to acute intestinal obstruction in an adult. CASE REPORT A 40-year-old female came to the emergency department with severe colicky pain in her abdomen, and reported 6 to 7 episodes of vomiting with bilious contents, along with an inability to pass feces and flatus for 3 days. An x-ray of her abdomen in erect posture revealed multiple air-fluid levels. Because she had a previous history of tuberculosis, a possible tubercular stricture as the cause of her acute obstruction was considered; an exploratory laparotomy was performed showing her bowel loops were dilated with ileocolic intussusception. The lead point of intussusception (a well-defined 4×4×3.5 cm solid mass), was found at 15 cm proximal to the ileocecal junction. A right hemicolectomy with ileo-transverse anastomosis was performed. The histopathological examination confirmed the presence of IMT. CONCLUSIONS IMT causing ileocolic intussusception with acute intestinal obstruction is an extremely rare presentation of an uncommon entity in adults. High index of suspicion, and appropriate investigations (x-ray abdomen, ultrasound, computed tomography, and colonoscopy) depending on presentation and clinical condition of the patient can result in prompt diagnosis and early management.

Isolated Fungal Balls in Urinary Bladder Presenting as Acute Retention of Urine.

A 52-year-old male presented to surgery emergency with acute retention of urine. Patient was relieved in the emergency setting by catheterization and bladder irrigation. Urine was sterile; however, microscopy revealed field full of RBCs (>50/high-power field) and pus cells (>20/hpf). Cystoscopy revealed fungal balls in the urinary bladder which upon histopathological examination showed Aspergillus species. Patient was managed with systemic voriconazole and bladder wash with diluted povidone iodine. Predisposing factors diabetes mellitus and benign prostatic hyperplasia were medically managed, and patient recovered well. This case stresses the importance of considering isolated fungal urinary infections in predisposed individuals.

Online Medical Teaching in COVID-19 Era: Experience and Perception of Undergraduate Students.

Introduction: Rapid emergence of COVID-19 as pandemic has affected the life of almost every human being and has changed the way people used to interact. It has also affected medical education and clinical training, and forced medical schools to switch over to online mode of teaching. The aim of this study was to learn about the experience and perception of undergraduate students regarding online teaching. Methods: This is a cross sectional observational study conducted among the undergraduate students of Hamdard Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, New Delhi, India. A validated electronic questionnaire with nine questions was sent to 177 students as Google FormsTM. Responses from 161 students were received and analyzed using SPSS software. Results:The majority of students were satisfied with the frequency, organization, content and preparedness of classes. Half of students were neither satisfied with the amount of syllabus covered nor online teaching method. Among various teaching methods, live online lectures were most common and they were also preferred by the majority of students. Most students want hybrid or blended teaching in the post COVID-19 era. Conclusion: Online or e-teaching alone is not preferred by the majority of students. Lack of interpersonal interaction is the most likely reason for this. Hybrid or blended teaching holds the future of medical education as it is more student friendly and efficient.

Sensitivity of Noncontrast Computed Tomography for Small Renal Calculi With Endoscopy as the Gold Standard.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the sensitivity of noncontrast computed tomography (CT) with endoscopy for detection of renal calculi. Imaging modalities for detection of nephrolithiasis have centered on abdominal x-ray, ultrasound, and noncontrast CT. Sensitivities of 58%-62% (abdominal x-ray), 45% (ultrasound), and 95%-100% (CT) have been previously reported. However, these results have never been correlated with endoscopic findings. METHODS: Idiopathic calcium oxalate stone formers with symptomatic calculi requiring ureteroscopy were studied. At the time of surgery, the number and the location of all calculi within the kidney were recorded followed by basket retrieval. Each calculus was measured and sent for micro-CT and infrared spectrophotometry. All CT scans were reviewed by the same genitourinary radiologist who was blinded to the endoscopic findings. The radiologist reported on the number, location, and size of each calculus. RESULTS: Eighteen renal units were studied in 11 patients. Average time from CT scan to ureteroscopy was 28.6 days. The mean number of calculi identified per kidney was 9.2 ± 6.1 for endoscopy and 5.9 ± 4.1 for CT (P <.004). The mean size of total renal calculi (sum of the longest stone diameters) per kidney was 22.4 ± 17.1 mm and 18.2 ± 13.2 mm for endoscopy and CT, respectively (P = .06). CONCLUSION: CT scan underreports the number of renal calculi, probably missing some small stones and being unable to distinguish those lying in close proximity to one another. However, the total stone burden seen by CT is, on average, accurate when compared with that found on endoscopic examination.

Evaluation of health care services provided for older adults in primary health care centers and its internal environment. A step towards age-friendly health centers.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the health care services provided for older adults by primary health care centers (PHCCs) in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and the ease of use of these centers by older adults. METHODS: Between October 2013 and January 2014, we conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study of 15 randomly selected PHCCs in Riyadh City, KSA. The evaluation focused on basic indicators of clinical services offered and factors indicative of the ease of use of the centers by older adults. Evaluations were based upon the age-friendly PHCCs toolkit of the World Health Organization. RESULTS: Coverage of basic health assessments (such as blood pressure, diabetes, and blood cholesterol) was generally good. However, fewer than half of the PHCCs offered annual comprehensive screening for the common age-related conditions. There was no screening for cancer. Counseling on improving lifestyle was provided by most centers. However, there was no standard protocol for counseling. Coverage of common vaccinations was poor. The layout of most PHCCs and their signage were good, except for lack of Braille signage. There may be issues of access of older adults to PHCCs through lack of public transport, limited parking opportunities, the presence of steps, ramps, and internal stairs, and the lack of handrails. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical services and the internal environment of PHCCs can be improved. The data will be useful for health-policy makers to improve PHCCs to be more age-friendly.

Spontaneous Aortic Regurgitation and Valvular Cardiomyopathy in Mice.

OBJECTIVE: We studied the mechanistic links between fibrocalcific changes in the aortic valve and aortic valve function in mice homozygous for a hypomorphic epidermal growth factor receptor mutation (Wave mice). We also studied myocardial responses to aortic valve dysfunction in Wave mice. APPROACH AND RESULTS: At 1.5 months of age, before development of valve fibrosis and calcification, aortic regurgitation, but not aortic stenosis, was common in Wave mice. Aortic valve fibrosis, profibrotic signaling, calcification, osteogenic markers, lipid deposition, and apoptosis increased dramatically by 6 and 12 months of age in Wave mice. Aortic regurgitation remained prevalent, however, and aortic stenosis was rare, at all ages. Proteoglycan content was abnormally increased in aortic valves of Wave mice at all ages. Treatment with pioglitazone prevented abnormal valve calcification, but did not protect valve function. There was significant left ventricular volume overload, hypertrophy, and fetal gene expression, at all ages in Wave mice with aortic regurgitation. Left ventricular systolic function was normal until 6 months of age in Wave mice, but became impaired by 12 months of age. Myocardial transverse tubules were normal in the presence of left ventricular hypertrophy at 1.5 and 3 months of age, but became disrupted by 12 months of age. CONCLUSIONS: We present the first comprehensive phenotypic and molecular characterization of spontaneous aortic regurgitation and volume-overload cardiomyopathy in an experimental model. In Wave mice, fibrocalcific changes are not linked to valve dysfunction and are epiphenomena arising from structurally incompetent myxomatous valves.

Nephrocalcinosis in Calcium Stone Formers Who Do Not have Systemic Disease.

PURPOSE: Nephrocalcinosis is commonly present in primary hyperparathyroidism, distal renal tubular acidosis and medullary sponge kidney disease. To our knowledge it has not been studied in patients with calcium phosphate stones who do not have systemic disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy who had calcium phosphate or calcium oxalate stones and did not have hyperparathyroidism, distal renal tubular acidosis or medullary sponge kidney disease. On postoperative day 1 all patients underwent noncontrast computerized tomography. If there were no residual calcifications, the patient was categorized as not having nephrocalcinosis. If there were residual calcifications, the patient underwent secondary percutaneous nephrolithotomy. If the calcifications were found to be stones, the patient was categorized as not having nephrocalcinosis. If the calcifications were not stones, the patient was categorized as having nephrocalcinosis. Patients were grouped based on the type of stones that formed, including hydroxyapatite, brushite and idiopathic calcium oxalate. The extent of nephrocalcinosis was quantified as 0--absent nephrocalcinosis to 3--extensive nephrocalcinosis. Patients with residual calcifications on postoperative day 1 noncontrast computerized tomography who did not undergo secondary percutaneous nephrolithotomy were excluded from analysis. The presence or absence of nephrocalcinosis was correlated with metabolic studies. RESULTS: A total of 67 patients were studied, including 14 with hydroxyapatite, 19 with brushite and 34 with idiopathic calcium oxalate calculi. Nephrocalcinosis was present in 10 of 14 (71.4%), 11 of 19 (57.9%) and 6 of 34 patients (17.6%) in the hydroxyapatite, brushite and idiopathic calcium oxalate groups, respectively (chi-square p = 0.01). The mean extent of nephrocalcinosis per group was 1.98, 1.32 and 0.18 for hydroxyapatite, brushite and idiopathic calcium oxalate, respectively (p ≤0.001). The presence of nephrocalcinosis positively correlated with urine calcium excretion (mean ± SD 287.39 ± 112.49 vs 223.68 ± 100.67 mg per day, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Patients without systemic disease who form hydroxyapatite and brushite stones commonly have coexistent nephrocalcinosis. Nephrocalcinosis can occur in calcium oxalate stone formers but the quantity and frequency of nephrocalcinosis in this group are dramatically less.

Lithotripter outcomes in a community practice setting: comparison of an electromagnetic and an electrohydraulic lithotripter.

PURPOSE: We assessed patient outcomes using 2 widely different contemporary lithotripters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a consecutive case series study of 355 patients in a large private practice group using a Modulith® SLX electromagnetic lithotripter in 200 patients and a LithoGold LG-380 electrohydraulic lithotripter (TRT, Woodstock, Georgia) in 155. Patients were followed at approximately 2 weeks. All preoperative and postoperative films were reviewed blindly by a dedicated genitourinary radiologist. The stone-free rate was defined as no residual fragments remaining after a single session of shock wave lithotripsy without an ancillary procedure. RESULTS: Patients with multiple stones were excluded from analysis, leaving 76 and 142 treated with electrohydraulic and electromagnetic lithotripsy, respectively. The stone-free rate was similar for the electrohydraulic and electromagnetic lithotripters (29 of 76 patients or 38.2% and 69 of 142 or 48.6%, p = 0.15) with no difference in the stone-free outcome for renal stones (20 of 45 or 44.4% and 33 of 66 or 50%, p = 0.70) or ureteral stones (9 of 31 or 29% and 36 of 76 or 47.4%, respectively, p = 0.08). The percent of stones that did not break was similar for the electrohydraulic and electromagnetic devices (10 of 76 patients or 13.2% and 23 of 142 or 16.2%) and ureteroscopy was the most common ancillary procedure (18 of 22 or 81.8% and 30 of 40 or 75%, respectively). The overall mean number of procedures performed in patients in the 2 groups was similar (1.7 and 1.5, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: We present lithotripsy outcomes in the setting of a suburban urology practice. Stone-free rates were modest using shock wave lithotripsy alone but access to ureteroscopy provided satisfactory outcomes overall. Although the acoustic characteristics of the electrohydraulic and electromagnetic lithotripters differ substantially, outcomes with these 2 machines were similar.

Fragility of brushite stones in shock wave lithotripsy: absence of correlation with computerized tomography visible structure.

PURPOSE: Brushite stones were imaged in vitro and then broken with shock wave lithotripsy to assess whether stone fragility correlates with internal stone structure visible on helical computerized tomography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 52 brushite calculi were scanned by micro computerized tomography, weighed, hydrated and placed in a radiological phantom. Stones were scanned using a Philips® Brilliance iCT 256 system and images were evaluated for the visibility of internal structural features. The calculi were then treated with shock wave lithotripsy in vitro. The number of shock waves needed to break each stone to completion was recorded. RESULTS: The number of shock waves needed to break each stone normalized to stone weight did not differ by HU value (p = 0.84) or by computerized tomography visible structures that could be identified consistently by all observers (p = 0.053). Stone fragility correlated highly with stone density and brushite content (each p <0.001). Calculi of almost pure brushite required the most shock waves to break. When all observations of computerized tomography visible structures were used for analysis by logistic fit, computerized tomography visible structure predicted increased stone fragility with an overall area under the ROC curve of 0.64. CONCLUSIONS: The shock wave lithotripsy fragility of brushite stones did not correlate with internal structure discernible on helical computerized tomography. However, fragility did correlate with stone density and increasing brushite mineral content, consistent with clinical experience with patients with brushite calculi. Thus, current diagnostic computerized tomography technology does not provide a means to predict when brushite stones will break well using shock wave lithotripsy.