Histological and ultrastructural evaluation of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy-induced acute renal lesions: preliminary report.

Biopsy material taken from kidneys of 14 patients with renal stones before performing extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) and an average of 15 days after was examined histologically and ultrastructurally. In the post-ESWL specimens, light microscopy revealed edema and extravasation of urine and blood into the interstitial spaces, blocking of cortical tubules by hemorrhagic streaks and widespread dilatation of the veins, with signs of endothelial destruction and partial organization of thrombi. By using the electron microscope, abnormalities of the endothelium and glomerular epithelium, hemosiderin accumulations in the tubular cells and small linear patches of fibrosis at the corticomedullary junction and in the cortical interstitial spaces were seen. This preliminary report indicates that renal damage can be shown soon after ESWL on histological and ultrastructural studies and that the lesions observed can be either reversible or permanent.