抄録
The simultaneous elemental analysis and observation of small surface areas and nuclei of urinary tract calculi was attempted with a conventional transmission electron microscope. This microscope was fitted with a scanning device, side-entry goniometer stage and an energy dispersive type X-ray microanalyzer unit coupled to a computer system. This method is advantageous in that in addition to quantitative analysis, a clear electron image may be observed.
Apatite, whewellite and cystine calculi derived from five patients as determined by X-ray diffraction, were studied.
In three samples of apatite calculus, calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) were detected, while magnesium (Mg) was observed in one case.
In one sample of whewellite calculus, P as well as Ca was detected in the nucleus.
In one sample of cystine calculus, Ca and P were detected in addition to sulfur (S).
These results indicate that the crystal structure of calculi does not always consist of a single substance.
