prostatic calculus

prostatic calculus

Etymology: Gk, prostates, standing before; L, calculus, pebble

a solid calcification formed in the prostate. Typically small and multiple, prostatic calculi are often the product of chronic prostatitis and are usually composed of calcium carbonate and/or calcium phosphate. They are not clinically significant and do not require treatment.

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calculus

pl. calculi [L.] an abnormal concretion, usually composed of mineral salts, occurring within the animal body, chiefly in the hollow organs or their passages. Called also stones, as in kidney stones (urolithiasis) and gallstones. See also hippomanes.

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biliary calculus

a gallstone.

bronchial calculus

see bronchial calculus.

dental calculus

mineralized deposits of calcium phosphate and carbonate, with organic matter, deposited on tooth surfaces. Found commonly in dogs and cats, sometimes in horses, rarely in sheep. May initiate caries and peridontal disease.

lung calculus

a concretion formed in the bronchi. See also bronchial calculus.

pancreatic calculus

very small (4 to 5 mm) calculi in pancreatic ducts, rare and of no pathogenic importance.

prostatic calculus

concretions of calcium phosphates and carbonates in the prostatic ducts are rare and of no clinical significance.

renal calculus

see urolithiasis.

salivary calculus

white, hard, laminated concretions in the salivary duct; a sialolith. Occurs most commonly in horses.

urethral calculus

a calculus lodged in the urethra causes obstruction of the urethra with a potential for causing rupture of the bladder or perforation of the urethra and leaking of urine into subcutaneous or retroperitoneal sites. See also urolith, urolithiasis.

urinary calculus

a calculus in any part of the urinary tract. See urolithiasis.

vesical calculus

a urolith in the urinary bladder.