Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 16, 2026

Author Spotlight: Developing a Bedside Protocol for Kidney and Genitourinary Ultrasonography
Published on: June 21, 2024
[Patient from Gambia with sonographic white kidneys]
History And Admission Findings:
A 39-year-old male refugee from Gambia is admitted to the emergency room with fever, body aches and productive cough.
Investigations:
Laboratory, ultrasound and CT investigations show a sepsis due to Staphylcoccus aureus, a renal failure with the appearance of "snow-white" kidneys on ultrasound and a previously unknown acute HIV-infection.
Diagnosis, Treatment And Course:
Broad antibiotic treatment and an antiretroviral therapy (adapted to the impaired renal function) as well as hemodialysis are commenced. Despite of successful sepsis treatment and viral load reduction, the kidney function does not recover. Histologically, a HIV-nephropathy is confirmed.
Conclusions:
The appearance of "snow-white" kidneys on ultrasound can be a characteristic sign of a HIV-associated nephropathy.
Related Concept Videos
Imaging Studies II: Ultrasonography
Imaging Studies I: Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder Studies
Imaging Studies III: Computed Tomography
Nursing Assessment of the Genitourinary System II: Inspection and Palpation
Kidney Structure
Imaging Studies IV: Magnetic Resonance Imaging

