Nephrocalcinosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Nephrocalcinosis?
A nephrologist, a doctor who treats kidney disease, usually manages nephrocalcinosis. A urologist, a doctor who treats the urinary tract, may help if kidney stones are also present. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is nephrocalcinosis?
Nephrocalcinosis is a disorder in which too much calcium builds up in the kidneys. The calcium collects in the kidney tissue itself. Most of the time, both kidneys are affected. It is common in premature babies. It is related to kidney stones, but it is not the same thing.
Symptoms
Most of the time, there are no early symptoms beyond those of the condition causing the problem. People who also have kidney stones may have:
- Blood in the urine.
- Fever and chills.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Severe pain in the belly area, the sides of the back (flank), the groin, or the testicles.
Later symptoms may be linked to long-term (chronic) kidney failure, which means the kidneys slowly stop working well.
Causes and who gets it
Any disorder that leads to high levels of calcium in the blood or urine may lead to nephrocalcinosis. Conditions that can cause it include:
- Renal tubular acidosis (RTA).
- Medullary sponge kidney.
- Primary hyperoxaluria.
- Alport syndrome and Bartter syndrome.
- Sarcoidosis.
- Vitamin D toxicity.
- High blood calcium (hypercalcemia) due to hyperparathyroidism or other medical conditions.
- Too much calcium in the urine (hypercalciuria).
- Use of certain medicines, such as acetazolamide, amphotericin B, and triamterene.
How doctors diagnose it
It may be found when symptoms of kidney failure or urinary tract stones develop. Imaging tests can help. These include an abdominal CT scan and an ultrasound of the kidney.
Other tests look for the cause. They include blood tests for calcium, phosphate, uric acid, and parathyroid hormone. A urinalysis checks urine for crystals and red blood cells. A 24-hour urine collection measures acidity and levels of calcium, sodium, uric acid, oxalate, and citrate.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms, prevent more calcium from building up in the kidneys, and reduce kidney damage. Doctors work to lower abnormal levels of calcium, phosphate, and oxalate in the blood and urine. Options include diet changes, medicines, and supplements.
If a medicine you take causes calcium loss, your provider will tell you to stop it. Never stop taking any medicine before talking to your provider. Kidney stones and other symptoms are treated as needed.
Proper treatment may help prevent further deposits in the kidneys. In most cases, there is no way to remove deposits that have already formed. Calcium deposits in the kidneys do not always mean severe damage to the kidneys.
When to see a doctor
Contact your provider if you know you have a disorder that causes high levels of calcium in your blood and urine. Also contact your provider if you develop symptoms of nephrocalcinosis.
These signs of kidney stones need a doctor's help:
- Blood in your urine.
- Fever and chills.
- Vomiting.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you faint, have a sudden change in mental status, or have extreme pain in your back or side that will not go away.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either type of doctor can order the first blood and urine tests and help coordinate care with a kidney specialist.
Common questions
Is nephrocalcinosis the same as kidney stones?
No. Nephrocalcinosis is related to kidney stones, but it is not the same. In nephrocalcinosis, calcium deposits in the kidney tissue itself.
Can calcium deposits in the kidneys be removed?
In most cases, no. There is usually no way to remove deposits that have already formed. Proper treatment may help prevent further deposits.
Does nephrocalcinosis cause symptoms?
Often it does not cause early symptoms of its own. Most of the time, symptoms come from the condition causing it. Symptoms can appear if kidney stones form or if long-term kidney failure develops.
Who is more likely to get nephrocalcinosis?
It is common in premature babies. Any disorder that raises calcium in the blood or urine may also lead to it.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
