Urinalysis (UA) is an important diagnostic test🔬 for Bladder inflammation (Cystitis) to identify the underlying cause. In this patient, UA revealed microscopy crystals ❄️within the urine. When these crystals start to bind together, bladder/kidney stones will form🪨.
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There are different types of crystals and the most commonly seen crystals are calcium oxalate and struvite. They are morphologically different and can be differentiated under the microscope 🔬however the present of certain crystals in the urine doesn’t mean the composition of the bladder stone is the same type of crystals.
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Formation of crystal in the urine is multifactorial. Some of the factors included: Urine pH, mineral concentration of urine, macrocrystalline matrix, inhibitors and promoters of urolith formation, prolong urine retention, concentration of the urine, infection 🦠etc.
*Generally, a more acidic urine will promote calcium oxalate formation and alkaline urine will promote struvite formation. The crystals in those pictures are struvite and urine pH of >8*
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Prevention of crystal formation involve changing the urine pH by diet modification, medication, and increase water intake💦.