Giant bladder stone in a natural mummy of the early 19th century

Urology. 2008 Oct;72(4):780-1. doi: 10.1016/j.urology.2008.04.031. Epub 2008 Jul 7.

Abstract

We present a case of a giant bladder stone, 7.5 cm in diameter, found in the pelvis of a 19th-century natural mummy from Borgo Cerreto (central Italy). We used microchemical energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy analysis and x-ray diffraction to define the mineral composition of the stone and obtain information about its internal structure. Chemical analysis showed a mixed composition. The internal layers contained mostly ammonium acid urate, whereas the external layers were composed of magnesium ammonium phosphate (struvite). Our research suggests a metabolic origin for the calculosis, with superimposed infection.

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Mummies*
  • Urinary Bladder Calculi / pathology*