What type of crystal is associated with a higher risk of kidney stones?

Calcium oxalate crystals are commonly associated with an increased risk of developing kidney stones. These crystals can form when there is an excess of calcium and oxalate in the urine, a condition often related to dietary habits or metabolic disorders.

Calcium oxalate stones are the most prevalent type of kidney stones, comprising a significant portion of cases. They can be classified into two forms: calcium oxalate monohydrate and calcium oxalate dihydrate, both of which can lead to obstruction and pain as they pass through the urinary tract. Factors contributing to their formation include high dietary oxalate intake (found in foods such as spinach and nuts), low fluid intake, and certain medical conditions that affect calcium metabolism.

In contrast, while uric acid, struvite, and calcium phosphate crystals can contribute to stone formation, they are less common when compared to calcium oxalate stones. Uric acid stones are often linked to conditions that cause hyperuricemia, struvite stones are generally associated with urinary tract infections, and calcium phosphate urinary crystals are more linked with metabolic conditions rather than the most widespread type of stone-related issues.