Kidney Stones and Hyperparathyroidism

Nepthrolithiasis and Hyperparathyroidism

Kidney stones, or nephrolithiasis, is the condition where a solid piece of material or "stone" forms in the kidney or ureter.   Signs of kidney stones include back or flank pain, blood in the urine, fever, chills or a burning sensation on urination. Kidney stones can be one of the most painful and significant side effects of hyperparathyroidism. 

The most common chemicals that make up a kidney stone are calcium together with oxalate or phosphate.  Although there may be many causes for kidney stones, hyperparathyroidism is a condition that frequently goes underdiagnosed and unnoticed.   The higher calcium concentration in the urine from hyperparathyroidism creates an environment in the urine more favorable to the formation of kidney stones.

If you have kidney stones and an elevated blood calcium level, you should be checked for primary hyperparathyroidism.  Ask your urologist to check a blood calcium and PTH level.  They will also likely perform a procedure called a cystoscopy.