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Ultrasound examination of the kidneys is usually part of the ultrasound of the abdominal cavity. The test result is particularly important for urologists and nephrologists, i.e. doctors who diagnose and treat urinary tract diseases. An experienced doctor will easily interpret the test result, however, nowadays the queues to specialists are so long that the time interval between the receipt of the result and its analysis by the doctor may be up to several weeks. During this time, patients try to interpret the result on their own, which often results in incorrect self-diagnosis.
The aim of the article is to familiarize the reader with the most common terms used in the description of ultrasound of the kidneys. Please note that the article is only intended to facilitate the understanding of the result and not to teach the interpretation. The correct analysis is at the discretion of the doctor.
Kidney ultrasound – indications
The main indications for an ultrasound of the kidneys are:
- abnormal results of a general urine test,
- pain in the lumbar region,
- colic pain radiating to the groin,
- hematuria,
- impaired kidney function,
- hypertension,
- kidney cysts.
The most common terms used in the description of an ultrasound of the kidneys
- Kidney poles in kidney ultrasound
What they mean: the poles of the kidneys are called “ends” of the kidneys, there are upper and lower poles. The adrenal glands are seated on the upper pole.
See also: Over 4 million Poles have sick kidneys
- Hypoechoic change in ultrasound of the kidneys
Which means: as a result of ultrasound of the kidneys, this type of lesion is darker than the surrounding image.
Interpretation: hypoechoic changes in kidney ultrasound are soft changes with increased blood supply. They include, among others, solid tumors, which can be malignant or benign.
- Hyperechoic change in ultrasound of the kidneys
Which means: as a result of ultrasound of the kidneys, this type of lesion is brighter than the surrounding image.
Interpretation: these are most often hard and dense lesions, such as bones, ureters or calcifications, but also gases.
What do the kidneys do and what do kidney diseases manifest?
- Hypoechoic echo in kidney ultrasound
What it means: it is an ultrasound image of the kidney parenchyma, which is divided into the cortical and core layers.
- Hyperechoic central echo in kidney ultrasound
Which means: it is an ultrasound image of the renal calyces and pelvis.
- Focal change in ultrasound of the kidneys
What it means: a single change detected in the examination, it may be a solid tumor or a cyst, among others.
Interpretation: is a very general statement, it may indicate a malignant as well as a benign lesion.
Renal profile – studies for kidney patients
- Cyst on ultrasound of the kidneys
Which means: means a well-delimited reservoir (containing fluid or air), usually a smooth lesion.
Interpretation: In the kidney, these are generally small simple cysts, requiring only periodic inspection. When they are located in the cortical layer of the kidney’s parenchyma, they are called cortical cysts.
Know the first symptoms of a cyst on the kidneys
- UKM in kidney ultrasound
What it means: UKM is an abbreviation of the cup-pelvic system, i.e. the structures that connect with the renal medulla.
Interpretation: The cup-pelvic system is the link between the kidney and the ureter and bladder.
- Deposits (kidney stones) on ultrasound of the kidneys
What they mean: Most often, the deposits visible during ultrasound examination indicate so-called kidney stones.
Interpretation: Deposits in the calico-pelvic system can inhibit the flow of urine to the bladder, which is manifested by severe, sharp pain in the lower abdomen radiating to the groin. Chronic drainage obstruction can lead to hydronephrosis.
Learn more about the causes of kidney stones
- Neoplastic plug in kidney ultrasound
Which means: a characteristic feature of kidney cancers is infiltration of the renal vein and the spread of the tumor mass inside the vein, such a plug can even enter the inferior vena cava and travel towards the heart.
Interpretation: neoplastic plug may suggest significant advancement of the neoplastic disease. The detached fragments may cause pulmonary embolism.
Learn the first symptoms of kidney cancer
- Uneven external outlines on ultrasound of the kidneys
What they mean: indicate past inflammation.
Interpretation: a picture often found in chronic pyelonephritis.
Treatment of nephritis – all you need to know.
- Thinning of the kidney parenchyma on ultrasound of the kidneys
Which means: reduction in the thickness of the kidney parenchyma resulting from its damage / disappearance.
Interpretation: An image often found in hydronephrosis.
How is hydronephrosis formed and manifested?
- Incidentaloma in kidney ultrasound
What it means: a nodular lesion of the adrenal gland accidentally detected during imaging.
Interpretation: it can be both benign and malignant and requires a more thorough diagnosis.
Prof. Szczylik: kidney cancer is best detected by ultrasound
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