Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026

03:19
Point-of-Care Kidney and Genitourinary Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition
Published on: June 21, 2024
Ascites, a new cause for bilateral hydronephrosis: case report.
Deepika Jain1, Smrita Dorairajan, Madhukar Misra
1Department of Internal Medicine-Nephrology, University of Missouri, Columbia and Harry S Truman VA Hospital, Columbia, Missouri, USA. jaind@health.missouri.edu
Thescientificworldjournal
|October 6, 2009
Summary
Bilateral hydronephrosis, a condition causing kidney damage due to urinary obstruction, can be reversed. Large-volume paracenteses effectively resolved hydronephrosis and improved renal function in a patient with cirrhosis and ascites.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Gastroenterology
- Urology
Background:
- Bilateral hydronephrosis can impair renal function due to urinary obstruction and back pressure.
- Alcoholic liver cirrhosis can lead to complications such as tense ascites and acute renal failure.
Observation:
- A 57-year-old male with alcoholic liver cirrhosis presented with tense ascites and acute renal failure.
- Abdominal ultrasound revealed bilateral hydronephrosis.
Findings:
- Multiple large-volume paracenteses were performed to manage the ascites.
- These procedures led to the resolution of bilateral hydronephrosis.
Implications:
- Prompt improvement in renal function was observed following the resolution of hydronephrosis.
- This case highlights the potential for managing renal impairment secondary to ascites-induced urinary obstruction.
Related Concept Videos
Ascites
DefinitionAscites is the buildup of fluid inside the peritoneal cavity. It occurs when fluid moves out of the vascular system faster than the peritoneal lymphatics can remove it. This fluid shift is most commonly seen in liver cirrhosis but can also appear in several other systemic disorders.EtiologyCirrhosis remains the leading cause of ascites. Other conditions that can contribute include:Heart failureConstrictive pericarditisAbdominal cancersNephrotic syndromeSevere protein–calorie...
Portal Hypertension
Portal hypertension is an increase in blood pressure within the portal venous system. Normally, this pressure is less than 5 mmHg. It is considered clinically significant when it rises above 10 mmHg. At this threshold, complications from altered blood flow and venous congestion emerge.EtiologyPortal hypertension arises from conditions that impede blood flow through the liver. The most common cause is cirrhosis, in which chronic liver injury leads to fibrotic scarring. This fibrosis narrows or...
Imaging Studies VI: Voiding Cystourethrography and Cystography
Voiding Cystourethrography (VCUG) and Cystography are specialized radiographic procedures used to examine the structure and function of the bladder and urethra.Voiding Cystourethrography (VCUG)A Voiding Cystourethrogram (VCUG) is a diagnostic imaging procedure that assesses the anatomy and function of the lower urinary tract. It focuses on the bladder, bladder neck, and urethra, helping detect abnormalities such as vesicoureteral reflux (VUR)—the backward or reverse flow of urine into the...

