Renal hydatid cysts: communicating with collecting system.

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Parasitology
• Radiology

Background:

• Hydatid disease, caused by Echinococcus granulosus, can affect the kidneys.
• Renal involvement often presents as a cyst, but rupture into the collecting system is a distinct clinical scenario.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the clinical and radiological features of renal hydatid disease communicating with the collecting system.
• To highlight diagnostic imaging modalities for this rare condition.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of five patients with renal hydatid disease and collecting system communication.
• Analysis of clinical presentations, including symptoms and laboratory findings.
• Evaluation of radiological findings from intravenous urography, arteriography, sonography, and computed tomography.

Main Results:

• Rupture into the renal pelvis leads to acute flank pain, hematuria, and urinary obstruction.
• Voiding of scolices or daughter cysts is a characteristic sign.
• Intravenous urography shows a renal mass involving the collecting system.
• Arteriography reveals an avascular mass.
• Sonography identifies a multicystic lesion.
• Computed tomography is definitive when daughter cysts are present.

Conclusions:

• Renal hydatid cyst rupture into the collecting system presents with specific clinical and radiological features.
• A combination of imaging techniques, particularly computed tomography, is essential for accurate diagnosis.
• Prompt diagnosis and management are important to prevent complications.