Silent Kidney Stones Diagnostic Modalities in Albania

Abstract

Objective:

Silent and not yet discovered stones of the upper urinary tract are potentially dangerous since in due course they may cause infection, obstruction and renal damage. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of such silent kidney stones in a representative population of Mat region - Albania

Subjects and Methods:

There were included in the study 200 consecutive subjects at Radiology Service, Burrel Hospital that underwent an additional kidney screening while undergoing abdominal ultrasound. All these subjects did not have a history or symptoms of urolithiasis.

Results:

There were found silent kidney stones in 3% of 200 subjects that went through, 80 % (n=160) of them were from age 20-70 years old. Notably, multiple stones and stones of a considerable size were without symptoms.

Conclusions:

In addition to the usual figures of incidence and prevalence of stone disease drawn from patient data, there is an incidence of 3% silent stones that may only be discovered incidentally or by screening. This is part of water elements that is characteristic for the region. Figures for other regions have yet to be determined. There is enough data that show the consequences of kidney stones if neglected. Awareness to the population and regular ultrasound screenings would be beneficial.

Keywords: kidney stones, incidence, ultrasound