Sometimes a very large calculus nearly fills the calyceal system, with extensions into calyces that give the appearance of a stag's (deer) horns. Hence, the name "staghorn calculus". Seen here is a horn-like stone extending into a dilated calyx, with nearly unrecognizable overlying renal cortex from severe hydronephrosis and pyelonephritis. Nephrectomy may be performed because the kidney is non-functional and serves only as a source for infection.
Shown below are typical urinalysis findings for this condition, with evidence for "infection stones" of magnesium ammonium phosphate.