URIC ACID STONE FORMATION1

Abstract

SUMMARY A uric acid stone must always be considered in the diagnosis of a patient with a history suggestive of stone where no opacity is evident on X‐ray. Especially is this so if he is known to have habitually a diet rich in purine bodies, or perhaps if he has had ulcerative colitis. Certain races may be more prone to uric acid stone formation. A filling defect in the pelvis or ureter on pyelography makes the diagnosis more likely, as does a serum uric acid above 7 mg. Certainty depends on the removal of the stone and confirmation of its composition by chemical test. I would like to thank my many colleagues who have helped me in this rather gouty‐stony problem and especially Dr Earle and Dr Lockey of the Royal Masonic Hospital, who have arranged so many of the biochemical analyses. I must also thank Mr Harrison of the Photographic Department at St Bartholomew's Hospital and Mr Bartholomew of the corresponding department at the Institute of Urology, for producing the very accurate illustrations.