Staghorn Calculi (Struvite Stones)
Staghorn calculi (struvite stones) are a type of kidney stone that
may occur with frequent kidney infections. They can be more serious than other
types of kidney stones, because they are large stones and often occur with an
infection.
They are called "staghorn" because on X-rays they look like deer
(stag) horns.
Medical treatment, including antibiotics and surgical removal of
the stone, is usually needed. Women are affected more than men because of their
higher risk for urinary tract infections.
Last Revised:
April 28, 2011
Author:
Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine & Tushar J. Vachharajani, MD, FASN, FACP - Nephrology