Néphrocalcinose et autres calcifications du parenchyme rénal

Nephrocalcinosis is defined by the presence of calcium deposits in the kidney parenchyma, preferably at the level of the medulla, but occasionally in the cortex or, more rarely, throughout the kidney. Sometimes associated with kidney stones, nephrocalcinosis is distinct from pure nephrolithiasis that arises from a different cause. This disease can be found both in children and adults, but its causes are numerous; most of the associated metabolic system disorders have a genetic origin. The most frequent etiologies are distal tubular acidosis, parathyroid dysfunction, and oxaluria or iatrogenic causes such as drugs or vitamin D intoxication. Asymptomatic in the majority of cases, nephrocalcinosis is often discovered incidentally during a routine ultrasound examination. Kidney function is usually normal at this stage, especially in children, but slowly progressive renal failure develops over the years leading to complete destruction of the kidneys. There is no treatment for removing the calcium deposits in the kidney. However, it is possible to slow the progression by acting on the underlying disease. We propose to review the most frequent causes and to present the various imaging (ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance) aspects of nephrocalcinosis through various adult and pediatric examples.