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The renal parenchymal junctional line in children: ultrasonic frequency and appearances

I J Kenney1, S R Wild

  • 1Royal Alexandra Hospital for Sick Children, Brighton, Edinburgh.

The British Journal of Radiology
|September 1, 1987
PubMed

Insights

The parenchymal junctional line (PJL) is a common finding in children's kidneys visualized via ultrasound. This echogenic line should not be mistaken for signs of kidney scarring from infection.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Radiology
  • Medical Imaging
  • Renal Ultrasonography

Background:

  • The parenchymal junctional line (PJL) is an anatomical structure within the pediatric kidney.
  • Understanding its ultrasonic appearance and prevalence is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
  • Distinguishing the PJL from pathological findings like pyelonephritic scars is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the frequency of visualization of the parenchymal junctional line (PJL) in children's kidneys using ultrasound.
  • To assess the variation of PJL visualization with age.
  • To describe the characteristic ultrasonic appearances of the PJL.

Main Methods:

  • Ultrasonic examination of 72 children's kidneys.
  • Documentation of PJL visualization, location, and ultrasonic characteristics.
  • Analysis of PJL frequency in relation to patient age.

Main Results:

  • The PJL was visualized in 47 out of 72 children, most frequently on the right side.
  • No statistically significant variation in PJL visualization frequency was found with respect to age.
  • The typical ultrasonic appearance is a thin, echogenic line from the renal sinus to the cortex.

Conclusions:

  • The parenchymal junctional line (PJL) is a common finding in normal pediatric kidneys on ultrasound.
  • Its characteristic appearance aids in differentiating it from pathological conditions.
  • The PJL is believed to be an artifact of renal development, possibly from metanephric fusion.

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