Abdominal X-ray - Abnormal calcification
Bladder stones

Key points

  • Bladder stones form in the bladder as a result of urinary stasis

Other investigations

  • Although ultrasound only occasionally shows renal or ureteric stones it is a much more reliable examination for bladder stones

Bladder stones generally form in the bladder itself. They arise as a result of urinary stasis such as in bladder outflow obstruction (enlarged prostate) or in patients with a neurogenic bladder (loss of bladder function due to spinal cord injury/disease). Those with bladder wall abnormalities (ureterocele, diverticulum) or those with recurrent urinary infections are also at higher risk of forming bladder stones.

When seen on an abdominal/pelvic X-ray they are often multiple and rounded.

Bladder stones

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Bladder stones

  • Multiple well defined calcific densities are seen within the bladder

Page author: Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust UK (Read bio)

Last reviewed: October 2019