Other crystals

Source

Vincent Castiglione, Pharmacist, PhD student, Department of Clinical chemistry, University of Liège, CHU de Liège, Belgium.

Description

Aragonite crystals found in the urine of a 3-year-old boy (urinary pH 7.0)(crystal composition identified by infrared spectroscopy). Aragonite is a calcium carbonate similar to calcite. High magnesium concentration could promote aragonite crystallization rather than the polymorph calcite. Calcite is found in alkaline urine and has been associated with abuse of magnesium oxide or calcium carbonate (laxative and antiacid drugs). It has also been associated with urinary tract infection due to urea-splitting bacteria. Yet, aragonite crystals are very uncommon and further investigations are required for a clear understanding of the mechanism(s) which may be involved in their precipitation in the urine.

Keywords

CRY