The relationship between renal scarring and stone disease

The urographic findings of focal clubbing of the renal calices and associated parenchymal scarring usually prompt a diagnosis of chronic pyelonephritis, which is frequently thought to be due to ongoing or previous vesicoureteral reflux. However, we noticed that upper tract stone disease appeared to be the condition that most often preceded or accompanied caliceal clubbing and parenchymal scarring in adults. To test the hypothesis that stones were the most common cause of this renal abnormality, we analyzed the IV urograms in 1500 consecutive patients for evidence of upper tract stone disease, vesicoureteral reflux, and caliceal clubbing and scarring. Of 39 patients with clubbing and scarring, 67% had stone disease, but only 8% had a history of reflux. Of 90 patients with stone disease, 29% had clubbing and scarring. We conclude that, in adults, upper tract stone disease may be the most important etiologic factor in the production of renal caliceal clubbing and scarring.