CT and Urinary Correlates of Renal Stone Precursor Lesions
Research has underscored the importance of renal stone precursor lesions such as Randall's plaques. A relatively invasive protocol has been necessary, however, involving capillary tip biopsy and stone removal.
This research project on CT and urinary correlates, led by principal investigator John C. Lieske, M.D., director the O'Brien Urology Research Center, hopes to overcome those challenges.
Dr. Lieske's research project has two broad aims:
- Correlating findings on ureteroscopic mapping with visualization by CT in order to define the limits of detection with modern dual energy CT scans, in conjunction with other center projects
- Using CT mapping studies to phenotype patients' renal precursor lesions, which are then correlated with urinary composition, including supersaturation characteristics, urinary inhibitor activity and proteomics profile
Better understanding the factors that drive formation of kidney stone precursor lesions will bring scientists closer to understanding the key pathogenic events in kidney stone formation and developing prevention strategies for patients.