Efficacy of Multi-Detector Computed Tomography for the Diagnosis of Medullary Sponge Kidney

To expand the diagnostic armamentarium for medullary sponge kidney (MSK), we evaluate the use of high-resolution multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) for MSK diagnosis and compare to the standard intravenous urography (IVU). Despite a significant prevalence amongst stone formers, diagnosis of this well described condition has declined. IVU, the gold standard in MSK diagnosis, has largely been replaced by CT, which has previously been shown unable to demonstrate signs of MSK.

Patients with known history of MSK based on IVU underwent limited MDCT urogram. Control group patients, without MSK, also had MDCT urograms performed for other clinically indicated conditions. Studies were scored by board-certified radiologists on a 0-2 scale based on the likelihood of MSK. IVU studies, when available, were similarly graded.

MDCT was diagnostic of MSK in 9 out of the 10 patients with known history of MSK. No false positives were present in our series. The one case of MSK not detected on MDCT was graded as a "1" on its respective IVU. Sensitivity and specificity were 90 and 100%, respectively, when compared with IVU.

Concordance with IVU findings, despite a small reduction in sensitivity, indicates MDCT to be a suitable, and more readily available replacement for IVU in the diagnosis of MSK.