Thin-section computed tomography scans detect medullary cysts in patients believed to have juvenile nephronophthisis

Juvenile nephronophthisis (NPH) and medullary cystic kidney disease are an important cause of chronic renal failure in children and young adults. Medullary cysts are regarded as the hallmark of this condition. The diagnostic techniques that were used previously were not conclusive in most cases to demonstrate medullary cysts. We studied the role of thin-section (1.5-mm) computed tomography (CT) scan as an optimal imaging diagnostic technique. Three children who were admitted to our hospital consecutive with a clinical diagnosis of NPH were included. We found that the thin-section CT scan demonstrates the medullary cysts in all patients. We recommend CT scan as the investigation of choice in patients with clinical features suggestive of nephronophthisis-cystic renal medulla complex.