Abdominal X-ray
Abnormal calcification
Bladder stones
Bladder stones generally form in the bladder itself. They arise as a result of urinary stasis such as in bladder outflow obstruction (enlarged prostate) or in patients with a neurogenic bladder (loss of bladder function due to spinal cord injury/disease). Those with bladder wall abnormalities (ureterocele, diverticulum) or those with recurrent urinary infections are also at higher risk of forming bladder stones.
When seen on an abdominal/pelvic X-ray they are often multiple and rounded.
Key points
- Bladder stones form in the bladder as a result of urinary stasis
Other investigations
- Although ultrasound only occasionally shows renal or ureteric stones it is a much more reliable examination for bladder stones
Hover over image to show findings
Bladder stones
- Multiple well defined calcific densities are seen within the bladder