What is the appearance of struvite crystals, commonly referred to as staghorn stones?

Struvite crystals, often associated with urinary tract infections caused by urease-producing bacteria, typically exhibit a distinct shape that resembles the lids of coffins. This “coffin lid” appearance is the hallmark characteristic of struvite crystals, which can often be found in urine specimens. The formation of these crystals leads to the production of staghorn calculi, which are large kidney stones that can take on the shape of the renal pelvis and calyces, further reinforcing the association with struvite.

The physical properties of struvite also include their formation in alkaline urine, which makes the coffin lid shape prominent under microscopic evaluation. Understanding this appearance is crucial for diagnostics in the laboratory, as it helps differentiate struvite crystals from other types such as calcium oxalate or uric acid, which exhibit different shapes and characteristics. Recognizing the coffin lid type structure of struvite is vital for healthcare professionals dealing with urinary tract issues.