Lipiduria
Appearance
Lipiduria or lipuria is the presence of lipids in the urine. Lipiduria is most frequently observed in nephrotic syndrome where it is passed as lipoproteins along with other proteins.[1][2] It has also been reported as a sign following fat embolism.[3]
When lipiduria occurs, epithelial cells or macrophages contain endogenous fats. When filled with numerous fat droplets, such cells are called oval fat bodies. Oval fat bodies exhibit a "Maltese cross" configuration under polarized light microscopy.[4] This Maltese cross is because of its liquid-crystalline structure giving it a double refraction (birefringence).
See also
References
- ^ Klahr S, Tripathy K, Bolanos O (1967). "Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Urinary Lipids in the Nephrotic Syndrome". J. Clin. Invest. 46 (9): 1475–81. doi:10.1172/JCI105639. PMC 292893. PMID 6036540.
- ^ http://www.uptodate.com/patients/content/topic.do?topicKey=~Kk.Q0M6Zsr/lvq.
- ^ Findlay J, DeMajo W (1 January 1984). "Cerebral fat embolism" (Image & PDF). Canadian Medical Association journal. 131 (7): 755–7. PMC 1483580. PMID 6478364.
- ^ http://library.med.utah.edu/WebPath/TUTORIAL/URINE/URINE.html