Renal US findings in sulfadiazine-induced crystalluria.

Abstract

The authors report two cases of sulfadiazine-induced obstructive nephropathy that were diagnosed with ultrasound (US). Renal US demonstrated layered clusters of echogenic shadowing material--presumed to be sulfa crystals--which cleared when the crystalluria resolved. The authors conclude that renal US is helpful in diagnosing sulfa calculi and subsequent obstructive nephropathy.

Sulfadiazine-induced nephrolithiasis in children

“…Most of the calculi were radiolucent and US examination often revealed multiple bilateral echogenic material in renal parenchyma with hydronephrosis comparable to other studies [4,5]. In 4 patients US investigation was normal but calculi were found in the urine.…”

Effect of sulfa drugs on kidney function and renal scintigraphy

“…Sulfa drugs are known to possess low water solubility, and may precipitate in renal tubules in the face of dehydration. A major side‐effect of sulfa therapy is the occurrence of crystallization in the urinary collecting system . A previous report studied two cases of sulfadiazine‐induced obstructive nephropathy that were diagnosed with ultrasound (US).…”

“…Renal US demonstrated layered clusters of echogenic shadowing material presumed to be sulfa crystals which cleared when the crystalluria resolved. These sulfa calculi can lead to subsequent obstructive nephropathy . Sulfa medications, although used in a variety of antibacterial, anticonvulsant and diuretic applications, can further complicate urinary calculi‐associated problems, among others, by the crystalline aggregates in these drugs.…”

“…A major side-effect of sulfa therapy is the occurrence of crystallization in the urinary collecting system. 8,15,16 A previous report studied two cases of sulfadiazine-induced obstructive nephropathy that were diagnosed with ultrasound (US). Renal US demonstrated layered clusters of echogenic shadowing material presumed to be sulfa crystals which cleared when the crystalluria resolved.…”

“…These sulfa calculi can lead to subsequent obstructive nephropathy. 16 Sulfa medications, although used in a variety of antibacterial, anticonvulsant and diuretic applications, can further complicate urinary calculi-associated problems, among others, by the crystalline aggregates in these drugs. Generally, however, the solubility of sulfa drugs and their ability to induce (b)…”