Nephrocalcinosis Health Dictionary

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Nephrocalcinosis: From 2 Different Sources

Deposits of calcium within the tissue of 1 or both kidneys. Nephrocalcinosis is not the same as kidney stones (see calculus, urinary tract), in which calcium particles develop inside the drainage channels of the kidney. Nephrocalcinosis may occur in any condition in which the level of calcium in the blood is raised. It may also occur as a result of taking excessive amounts of certain antacid drugs or vitamin D. Treatment is of the underlying cause to prevent further calcification.
Health Source: BMA Medical Dictionary
Author: The British Medical Association
n. the presence of calcium deposits in the kidneys. This can be caused by excess calcium in the blood, as caused by overactivity of the parathyroid glands, or it may result from an underlying abnormality of the kidney. The cause of nephrocalcinosis must be detected by full biochemical, radiological, and urological investigation so that appropriate treatment can be undertaken.
Health Source: Oxford | Concise Colour Medical Dictionary
Author: Jonathan Law, Elizabeth Martin

Hypercalcaemia

An abnormally high level of calcium in the blood, commonly caused by hyperparathyroidism. Cancer may also cause hypercalcaemia, either by spreading to bone or producing abnormal hormones that cause bones to release calcium. Less commonly, the condition is a result of excessive intake of vitamin D or of certain inflammatory disorders, such as sarcoidosis.

Hypercalcaemia causes nausea, vomiting, lethargy, depression, thirst, and passing urine excessively.

Higher blood levels of calcium produce confusion, extreme fatigue, and muscle weakness.

Without treatment, the condition can result in cardiac arrhythmias, kidney failure, coma, and even death.

Long-standing hypercalcaemia may cause nephrocalcinosis or kidney stones (see calculus, urinary tract).

Diagnosis is by blood tests.

Treatment is of the underlying cause.... hypercalcaemia

Renal Tubular Acidosis

A condition in which the kidneys are unable to excrete normal amounts of acid made by the body.

The blood is more acidic than normal, and the urine less acidic.

Causes include kidney damage due to disease, drugs, or a genetic disorder; but in many cases the cause is unknown.

The acidosis may result in osteomalacia, kidney stones (see calculus, urinary tract), nephrocalcinosis, and hypokalaemia (an abnormally low level of potassium in the blood).... renal tubular acidosis

Hypercalcaemic Nephropathy

defects of kidney function related to a high serum calcium, irrespective of cause. Impaired urine-concentrating ability and reduction in glomerular filtration rate are common features. Histologically, calcific deposits in the kidneys (*nephrocalcinosis) may be seen in cases of long-standing hypercalcaemia.... hypercalcaemic nephropathy

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