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Hyperechogenic “rings” in the periphery of renal medullary pyramids as a sign of renal disease
Author(s) -
Päivänsalo Markku J.,
Kallioinen Matti J.,
Merikanto Jukka S.,
Jalovaara Pekka K.
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
journal of clinical ultrasound
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.272
H-Index - 61
eISSN - 1097-0096
pISSN - 0091-2751
DOI - 10.1002/jcu.1870190506
Subject(s) - medicine , medullary cavity , asymptomatic , abnormality , kidney , pathology , kidney disease , abdomen , renal medulla , proteinuria , radiology , psychiatry
A rare sign of medullary abnormality, hyperechogenic “rings” in the peripheries of renal medullary pyramids, was detected in both kidneys in 21 patients, being associated with normally hypoechogenic medullary centers in 20 of these patients. Our results with 2 cases studied histologically suggest that fibrosis with and without calcifications is one reason for the hyperechogenicity of these medullary pyramids. The clinical history and laboratory tests (serum creatinine, proteinuria) showed signs of kidney disease in 52%, and a renal disease was suspected in an additional 38%. Eight of the patients had disturbances in blood potassium, calcium, or uric acid equilibrium, and 2 of them had a parathyroid abnormality. Calcifications were found on plain radiographs of the abdomen in 1 of the 13 patients. Two were totally asymptomatic and had normal laboratory findings. Hyperechogenic rings in the peripheries of renal medullary pyramids proved nonspecific and showed a poor correlation with the severity of renal disease.