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Cystine stones are an uncommon type of kidney stone that is made up of the amino acid cystine. Cystinuria is a genetic condition that causes the kidneys to not adequately reabsorb cystine from urine, which leads to the formation of stones. Compared to other types of kidney stones, these stones are usually brittle, yellowish, and come back a lot.

Symptoms include acute pain in the side or abdomen, blood in the urine (haematuria), urinary tract infections, and having to urinate often. Cystine stones are often harder to cure since they are thick and difficult to break up. Urine testing, imaging tests including CT scans, and stone tests are used to get a diagnosis.
Treatment aims to increase fluid consumption to lower cystine levels, change the diet to stop cystine from forming, and utilise drugs such as tiopronin or penicillamine to stop cystine from crystallising. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) or percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) may be needed for bigger instances.

To prevent problems, you should drink a lot of fluids, cut back on salt, and check your urinary cystine levels on a regular basis. You can greatly reduce your chances of developing cystine stones again with the right care.