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Most dogs with medullary rim sign on ultrasonography have no demonstrable renal dysfunction
1Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, UK.
Abstract:
The medullary rim sign is a distinct hyperechoic line in the renal medulla parallel to the corticomedullary junction that has been reported in dogs with a variety of renal diseases. To examine the association between medullary rim sign and renal disease, the medical records of thirty-two dogs that had medullary rim sign were reviewed retrospectively. Eighteen dogs (56%) had no evidence of renal dysfunction; 14 (44%) had clinicopathological evidence of renal disease, including 6 (19%) that had hypercalcemic nephropathy. Most dogs (72%) in which medullary rim sign was the only ultrasonographic finding affecting the kidneys had no evidence of renal dysfunction. In contrast, 78% dogs that had medullary rim sign and other renal signs (reduced size, increased medullary echogenicity, and pyelectasia) had renal disease. On the basis of this study, the medullary rim sign appears to be a non-specific ultrasonographic sign; however, the possibility cannot be excluded that is a sentinel sign of subclinical renal disease.
Insights
The medullary rim sign in dogs is often not linked to kidney disease when it appears alone. However, it may signal early kidney problems if other signs are present.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Radiology
- Canine Nephrology
Background:
- The medullary rim sign is a hyperechoic line observed in the renal medulla of dogs.
- This sign has been associated with various renal pathologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between the medullary rim sign and renal disease in dogs.
- To determine if the medullary rim sign is indicative of renal dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records for thirty-two dogs diagnosed with the medullary rim sign.
- Analysis of clinicopathological data and ultrasonographic findings.
Main Results:
- Eighteen dogs (56%) showed no evidence of renal dysfunction.
- Fourteen dogs (44%) had clinicopathological evidence of renal disease, including hypercalcemic nephropathy in 6 dogs (19%).
- Dogs with the medullary rim sign as the sole ultrasonographic finding had no renal dysfunction (72%).
- Dogs with the medullary rim sign and other renal abnormalities (e.g., reduced size, increased echogenicity, pyelectasia) had a higher incidence of renal disease (78%).
Conclusions:
- The medullary rim sign is a non-specific ultrasonographic finding in dogs.
- It may serve as a sentinel sign for subclinical renal disease, particularly when accompanied by other renal abnormalities.