Related Experiment Videos
[Hyperechogenicity of the renal medulla in children: clinico-echographic correlations]
P Sorino1, M Giordano, F Puteo
1Divisione di Nefrologia e dialisi pediatrica, Azienda Ospedaliera Di Venere, Giovanni XXIII, Bari.
Insights
Renal ultrasound can detect increased echogenicity in children, aiding early diagnosis of nephrocalcinosis. This finding correlates with conditions like hypercalciuria and renal tubular acidosis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Medical Imaging
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Increased renal medullary echogenicity on ultrasound is linked to childhood hypercalciuria and nephrocalcinosis.
- Early identification of renal abnormalities in children is crucial for timely intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the correlation between renal ultrasound findings and specific pediatric renal conditions.
- To assess the utility of ultrasonography in diagnosing renal medullary nephrocalcinosis in children.
Main Methods:
- Classified 17 children (8 months–10 years) into three ultrasound echogenicity groups (A, B, C) based on Patriquin and Robitaille criteria.
- Correlated ultrasound patterns with clinical diagnoses including distal renal tubular acidosis, tubulopathies, and vitamin D treatment.
- Utilized abdominal X-rays to detect medullary calcinosis.
Main Results:
- Pattern C echogenicity was observed in children with distal renal tubular acidosis and those on furosemide.
- Pattern B was associated with tubulopathy and hypercalciuria; Pattern A with congenital tubulopathy and vitamin D treatment.
- Medullary calcinosis was detected in 2 out of 17 patients via X-ray.
Conclusions:
- Renal ultrasonography is a valuable tool for the early diagnosis of renal medullary nephrocalcinosis in pediatric patients.
- Ultrasound echogenicity patterns can provide insights into underlying renal conditions in children.
Abstract:
Increased renal medullary echogenicity by renal ultrasound associated with hypercalciuria and nephrocalcinosis is often present in childhood. 17 children, 9 boys and 8 girls, aged from 8 months to 10 years were classified into three groups based on ultrasound findings according to Patriquin and Robitaille: type A faint hyperechogenic rim around the sides and tip of the medullary pyramid; type B more intense echogenic rim of the pyramids; type C intense echoes throughout the pyramid. Clinic-echographic correlations showed a pattern C in 4 children with distal renal tubular acidosis and in an infant treated with furosemide; pattern B in 3 patients having different types of tubulopathy associated with hypercalciuria; pattern A in 6 children with congenital tubulopathy and in 3 children treated with vitamin D. Abdominal X-rays detected medullary calcinosis in 2 (11.7%) of total 17 patients. Ultrasonography appears to be an important tool in early diagnosis of renal medullary nephrocalcinosis.