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] The Maltese cross appearance occurs because of its liquid-crystalline structure giving it a double refraction (birefringence).
See also edit
References edit
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Significance of lipiduria". www.uptodate.com. Archived from the original on 2010-01-05.
- ^ Findlay J, DeMajo W (1 January 1984). "Cerebral fat embolism" (Image & PDF). Canadian Medical Association Journal. 131 (7): 755–7. PMC 1483580. PMID 6478364.
- ^ "Urinalysis". webpath.med.utah.edu.
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