This is a patient with edema and an albumin creatinine ratio of 5.2. What cast is this?
- Cystine crystals are usually hexagonal, translucent, white.
- Cystinuria is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the SLC3A1 and SLC7A9 genes. These genes encode two parts of a transporter protein in the kidneys.
- Under normal circumstances, this protein allows certain amino acids, including cysteine, to be reabsorbed into the blood from the filtered fluid that will become urine.
- As the levels of cystine in the urine increase, the crystals typical of cystinuria are able to form, resulting in kidney stones.
