The size of the kidneys. What can ultrasound of the kidneys show and how to decipher the result of an ultrasound examination? Terms characterizing the pathology of the kidneys

The task of ultrasound of the kidneys is to confirm or, conversely, to refute a particular diagnosis, since quite often the doctor directs the patient to this examination, already having certain suspicions about the type of disease he has. After all, thanks to the results of the study, it is possible to evaluate not only the shape, structure and size of organs, but also to identify the presence of certain inclusions or neoplasms in them. How is the decoding of ultrasound of the kidneys carried out and what indicates the presence of pathology?

Normal performance

Most people have 2 kidneys, but sometimes one of them has to be removed due to certain circumstances. There are also people who have a doubling of the kidneys, but the additional organs are usually underdeveloped. Therefore, an ultrasound examination always indicates the number of kidneys and their location (normally, they are localized at the level of 11–12 thoracic vertebrae and 1–2 lumbar vertebrae).

Traditionally, on ultrasound, the results of all measurements are given in millimeters. So, the size of the kidneys is normal for adults as follows:

• thickness - 40–50;
• length - 100–120;
• width - 50–60;
• parenchyma thickness - up to 23.

Important: over the years, the parenchyma becomes thinner and in people over 60 years of age, its thickness can be 11 mm.

At the same time, the normal size of the kidneys in adults is the same. But if one organ is no more than 2 cm larger than the other, this is not considered a pathology. In cases where Doppler sonography is prescribed for patients, the following indices of resistance of the main renal artery are normal:

• in the gate area - 0.7;
• in the interlobar arteries - 0.34–0.74.

Also, with ultrasound of the kidneys, the following are considered the norm:

• bean-shaped organs;
• the location of the left kidney is slightly higher than the right;
• the presence of a smooth and clear external contour;
• the echo density of the pyramids is lower than that of the parenchyma;
• the thickness of the capsule is 1.5 mm, it is hyperechoic;
• equal echo density of the renal sinus and perirenal tissue;
• echogenicity of the kidneys and liver is approximately the same;
• the presence of Bertin columns or partial hypertrophy of the renal cortex is allowed;
• pelvis are visualized.

When an ultrasound of the kidneys is performed in children, the norm depends on the age of the patient, and sometimes gender.

Normal size of the kidneys depending on the height of the patient

Nevertheless, when examining a child, it is not worthwhile to independently draw any conclusions about whether the size of the kidneys on ultrasound is normal or not, since each child develops at his own pace.

How to decipher the results of ultrasound?

Deciphering the survey data is the task of the doctor. A person without special education, even knowing normal indicators, will not be able to correctly interpret the results of ultrasound of the kidneys, because this also requires taking into account the existing clinical picture and anamnesis in general.

The specialist, based on the results obtained, evaluates the degree of deviation from the norm in the size of the organs. Thus, their increase may indicate the development of various inflammatory diseases or edema, and their decrease may indicate the progression of chronic dystrophic processes, for example, diabetic nephropathy. In addition, the ultrasound report always indicates whether the following were found during the examination:

• Anomalies in the structure of the kidneys, such as hypoplasia, aplasia, cyst, etc. Such formations are described as homogeneous, anechoic, with even contours.
• Volumetric formations. Benign neoplasms, in particular various types of lipomas, are hyperechoic, homogeneous, having a similar structure to the perirenal tissue. Malignant tumors, on the contrary, are distinguished by a heterogeneous structure, an uneven contour, and when they grow into nearby tissues, the boundaries can be poorly visualized at all. The presence of echo-negative areas indicates their necrosis or the presence of hemorrhage.
• Stones. They are visualized as hyperechoic formations, moving somewhat during the movements of the patient, which allows them to be differentiated from air in the pelvicalyceal system. In addition to establishing the fact of the presence of stones, the task of a specialist is to determine their number, size and localization. However, stones of any nature can not be detected by ultrasound, some are detected only by x-ray. But even in cases where the stone obstructing the ureter is invisible to ultrasound, its presence can be suspected by the expansion of the overlying part of the urinary tract and the sharp narrowing of the underlying one.

Stones appear as bright white spots, while fluid-containing formations appear as black spots.

Attention! Only a competent specialist will be able to correctly assess the changes found in the organs and explain to the patient what lies under the incomprehensible terms and figures.

However, even if ultrasound shows an enlarged kidney, this does not always indicate the presence of an inflammatory process in the organ, for example, pyelonephritis or glomerulonephritis. In some cases, this is observed when the patient, for one reason or another, has only one kidney. But the detection of an echo-positive, having alternating areas with increased and reduced echo density, the formation of a heterogeneous structure should alert the patient, since malignant tumors fall under such a description.

Pathologies detected by ultrasound of the kidneys

If we talk about what ultrasound of the kidneys shows, then the list of pathologies can be quite long, so we will give only the main ones.

1. Narrowing of the ureters and their passage into the bladder.
2. Cysts, polycystic, multicystic, spongy kidney, etc.
3. Nephroptosis.
4. Tumors.
5. Inflammation of blood vessels.
6. Abscesses.
7. Dystrophic changes in the body.
8. Hydronephrosis.
9. Diverticula.
10. Inflammatory pathologies, in particular, pyelonephritis and glomerulonephritis.
11. Urolithiasis disease.
12. The presence of air in the pelvicalyceal system.
13. transplant rejection.

Attention! Ultrasound can diagnose 97% of renal neoplasms.

The ultrasound doctor cannot diagnose the patient, this is the task of the urologist or nephrologist

But although ultrasound is considered a fairly informative method of examining a patient, it is not always able to provide complete information about his state of health. Therefore, even if the results indicate the normal functioning of the kidneys, other studies may be prescribed to patients, in particular, radiography, biopsy, computed tomography of the kidneys, etc. The latter is the most informative, but, unfortunately, not everyone can pay for such a procedure. However, the only way to confirm the presence of cancer is with a biopsy and CT scan.

Ultrasound examination of the urinary system is a fairly common examination necessary for the accurate diagnosis of many diseases. In this article, we will learn what decoding is, learn how to interpret it correctly, find out what diseases of the urinary system organs can be detected thanks to this study, and also get acquainted with the features of performing sonography of the urinary system organs in men, women and children.

It is worth noting that only a qualified doctor can provide the correct diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the urinary system, based on clinical data, the results of laboratory tests and examinations.

So, let's begin!

Characteristics of the pathology

Conducting an ultrasound examination of people is the most accessible, informative and painless diagnostic method. Ultrasound is often used to diagnose pathologies of the urinary system. On ultrasound, the size of the kidney, its location, the structure of the renal tissue (parenchyma) and the functionality of both organs are determined. Any pathology is visible on an ultrasound examination in the form of increased or reduced echogenicity (intensity of the shade of organ tissues). It is by the strength of the reflection of ultrasound and by the change in the intensity of the darkening that the specialist issues a conclusion.

Important: deciphering the ultrasound of the kidneys is not yet an accurate diagnosis. To put it, the attending physician is obliged to compare all the data obtained in the form of an ultrasound protocol, laboratory blood and urine tests, and, if necessary, additional results of hardware diagnostics (CT, MRI, radiography, etc.).

Anatomy of the human kidney structure

It should be understood that, like all internal organs, the kidneys are supported by a musculoskeletal structure (CMS). That is why it is so important to have a well-developed and trained body, which will become a protective barrier for vital systems.

It should be understood that the size of the kidney of an adult and a child, as well as its structure, have a certain norm, and any deviations from it are considered a pathology. The kidneys normally have the following structure:

• View of the bean elongated along the form.
• From above, the organ is covered with connective tissue (fibrous capsule) and supported by a fatty capsule.
• Under the fibrous capsule is the parenchyma of the organ (its main tissue), which consists of the medulla and cortex. It is in the parenchyma that various formations in the form of cysts, abscesses, etc. are most often localized.
• One of the structural units of the kidney is the nephron, which is responsible for filtering the blood and processing waste materials into the primary urine.
• The renal pelvis is located inside the parenchyma and is designed to collect primary urine.
• The ureter is one of the parts of the organ that receives primary urine for its further transportation through the urinary tract.
• The renal artery is a vessel through which blood contaminated with decay products enters the kidneys.
• The renal vein is the vessel through which purified blood flows back into the vena cava.

The size of the kidneys is normal

It is worth knowing that the normal sizes of the kidneys in women and men, in an adult and a child are somewhat different and look something like this:

• The adult kidney has a length of 10-12 cm;
• Width - up to 6 cm;
• Thickness - 4-5 cm;
• The thickness of the parenchyma (kidney tissue) is 1.5-2.5 cm.

Children's kidney has sizes depending on age:

• Infant from birth to 2 months - 49 mm;
• Baby from 3 to 12 months - 63 mm;
• Child 1-5 years old - 72 mm;
• Child 5-10 years old - 85 mm;
• Teenager 10-15 years old - 98 mm;
• Young man 15-19 years old - 106 mm.

At the same time, to determine the exact size of the organ, the height and weight of the child is always taken into account. It is worth knowing that in newborns, the ratio of kidney size to body weight is three times greater than in an adult.

Factors affecting the change in the size of the kidneys

The size of the kidneys on ultrasound may differ slightly from the norm. Moreover, if these are deviations in one or all parameters at once within 1 cm, then there is no reason for concern. If the organ is enlarged by several centimeters in one or more parameters, then you need to look for a pathology. However, there are also permissible deviations in the greatness of the organs. Thus, the following has been proven:

• With ultrasound of the kidneys, the norm may be a unilateral increase in the urinary organ. That is, one kidney will be larger than the other. As a rule, this applies to the left. The right, in most cases, is 5% less than the left due to the effect of the liver on it. That is, the liver simply interferes with the normal growth of the kidney.
• It is also worth understanding that the normal size of the kidneys in men is somewhat different from the female urinary organs. That is, the kidneys of an adult male are larger. This is due to physiology - the male body is wider and larger than the female.
• Age also affects the size of the kidneys. So, human kidneys grow up to 20-25 years. After that, the paired organ remains in a stable size up to 50 years. And already with the age of 50+, the kidneys begin to decrease in size, but at the same time they do not lose their function.

Important: the thickness of the kidney parenchyma also depends on age. So, up to 50 years it is 1.5-2.5 cm, and later it decreases and by the age of 60 it is 1.1 cm.

Pathological changes in kidney parameters

In turn, a pathological change in the size of the urinary organs (increase or decrease due to illness) occurs for the following reasons:

• Nephrites in an acute form. Nephrites are called inflammatory processes that began as a secondary pathology after an infectious disease or developed primarily after an infection entered the urinary system through the urethra.
• Hydronephrosis. Or in a simple way, the overflow of the bowl / pelvis of the organ with urine. Such a pathology occurs if a patient has microcalculosis (the presence of kidney stones). When moving, the stone can block the ureter and then the outflow of urine will be difficult. Such a pathology requires urgent surgical intervention, otherwise the patient is threatened with rupture of the kidney and, as a result, blood poisoning.
• Oncology or benign education. As a rule, cysts can increase the volume of tissue when they grow. The same applies to malignant tumors.

A decrease in the size of the kidney occurs with such pathologies:

• Chronic course of nephritis. So, if the disease was not detected at the very beginning and at the same time it passed into the chronic phase, the kidney will gradually give up its position, which will lead to organ failure. As a result, a non-functioning organ will shrink.
• dystrophic processes. Such an anomaly in the conclusion of the ultrasound is called kidney dysplasia.

kidney hump

The parameters of the urinary organ can sometimes change not only in size, but also in contours. Sometimes the left kidney is characterized by the so-called hump, that is, the protrusion of the contour of the organ outward. Initially, a specialist can define this as a cyst or other formation, but upon closer examination and against the background of normal echogenicity, it becomes clear that this is just a feature of the organ. That is, a humpbacked kidney is only a feature of the anatomy of a particular patient. Such a structure does not bear any complications. The body performs its function completely and does not violate the image and quality of human life.

Parenchymal changes on ultrasound

When examining the kidneys on ultrasound, a specialist can identify not only deviations from normal sizes, but also violations in the structure of the kidney tissue. In conclusion, the terms "reduced echogenicity" or "increased echogenicity" will be introduced. That is, some parts of the parenchyma or its entire structure change under the influence of the current pathology. In most cases, it is in the parenchyma that cysts, formations, abscesses are localized. However, even an ultrasound specialist does not include the term “tumor” in the research protocol. An accurate diagnosis is made only by a doctor, based on laboratory tests performed earlier and on the results of additional hardware studies.

Changes in the pelvis

As a rule, the only changes that can occur with the pelvis are thickening of their mucosa or the presence of stones / sand in them. In the first case, the mucous membrane of the pelvis increases with acute pyelonephritis or hydronephrosis. That is, the mucous membrane is inflamed due to overflowing with urine with the inclusion of pathogenic bacteria. If stones were localized in the pelvis, then this also indicates inflammation of the mucosa. In this case, the pelvis will be expanded.

Important: stones smaller than 2 mm are not visible on ultrasound. Echogenicity differs only in stones of larger diameter.

Kidney normal on ultrasound

• Renal tissue is homogeneous;
• Contours - smooth;
• The pelvis is free from stones and sand.

Terms of ultrasound

If you really want to understand before the visit to the attending physician what the specialist wrote there in the conclusion, then we offer a number of special terms that will help you understand the results of the examination. So, the most commonly used are:

• echogenicity. This is the reaction of the tissues of the internal organs to the conducted ultrasound. Echogenicity is expressed in the intensity of tissue darkening.
• fibrous capsule. Tissue surrounding the kidney.
• Pelvis. Organ cavity in which primary urine is collected.
• Microcalculosis. The presence of sand or small stones in the pelvis.
• Parenchyma. Kidney tissue.
• Inclusions. The presence in the tissues of the body of any formations (cysts, etc.).

Important: but, even having an ultrasound report in your hands and understanding, you should not make a diagnosis yourself. This is done only by the attending physician, who has the right to suspect or exclude pathology according to the patient's medical history.

If symptoms appear that indicate disorders in the functioning of the kidneys, the doctor prescribes a number of diagnostic procedures. This allows you to identify the disease, determine its nature, assess the degree of damage to the organ, prescribe adequate treatment. These procedures include ultrasonography (ultrasound). This is a highly informative method widely used in many areas of medicine, including nephrology.

What does a kidney ultrasound show?

First of all, an ultrasound examination reflects the physiological parameters of the organ, their deviations from the norm, if any, the degree of these deviations, etc.. This method allows you to find out:

According to the results of the study, an ultrasound protocol is drawn up, which reflects all the obtained indicators. The urologist should decipher the ultrasound of the kidneys. If the indicators contained in the protocol correspond to the norm, the doctor concludes that the organ is healthy. If there are deviations, then depending on their degree and nature, the patient is given one or another diagnosis. Ultrasonography can detect diseases such as:

• amyloidosis;
• nephroptosis;
• urolithic diathesis (MKD);
• stones in the kidneys;
• glomerulonephritis;
• pyelonephritis;
• neoplasms in the kidneys;
• pathology of the renal vessels;
• hydronephrosis;
• abscess;
• kidney dystrophy, etc.

Only a specialist can evaluate the results of ultrasound of the kidneys and draw the right conclusions. For example, normal values ​​in men differ from normal values ​​in women, and the pattern of normal kidney status in children is generally considered differently. In this case, the height of the child is decisive, if it does not reach 1 meter, then only the length and width are taken into account, if it is 1 meter or more, the thickness of the organ is also measured.

By measuring the echogenicity of the renal parenchyma, it is possible to determine the presence and size of the cyst, and the upward deviation of these indicators indicates the development of sclerotic processes. The study of the state of the abdominal system according to the same principle allows you to detect kidney stones or other diseases, such as hydronephrosis.

In order to decipher the ultrasound of the kidneys, you need to know the norm for each of them.

Indicators of the normal state of the kidneys

When conducting an ultrasound of the kidneys, the decoding of the norm and deviations is carried out by the attending physician. As for the number, in the normal state there should be two kidneys, since this is a paired organ. There are deviations, and in one direction and the other. The most common example of this is the removal of one of the kidneys by surgery. In this case, an ultrasound will show the absence of a kidney.

As a result of congenital pathology, doubling of the organ may occur, then three kidneys will be displayed on the picture. In exceptional cases, bilateral doubling can be observed, respectively, there will be four of them in the picture. But such cases are rare.

The volume and size of the kidneys according to ultrasound normally corresponds to the following values. Length is measured in mm and ranges from 100 to 120, width from 50 to 60, and thickness from 40 to 50. Such indicators are typical for adults. Their interval is determined by the height and size of the person himself, in addition, in women, these figures are statistically slightly less than in men for the same reason.

The study of the state of the parenchyma is another important point in the ultrasound of the kidneys. These indicators allow you to identify many pathologies and diseases. The first thing to pay attention to is the thickness of the parenchyma. Normally, in a healthy adult, it ranges from 18 to 25 mm. If the indicator is significantly higher than normal, then there is a high probability of edema, if it is much lower, this indicates kidney dystrophy.

Thanks to the study of the echogenicity of the parenchyma, its structural changes are detected, depending on the nature of which the doctor determines the disease. Deciphering such data without special knowledge is extremely difficult. Examination of the cavity system reveals not only the presence of stones, but also inflammation of the mucous membrane of the renal pelvis, as well as the expansion of the cavities.

In addition, ultrasound records the speed of blood flow, the presence / absence of stenosis, the state of the vascular wall.. Normal blood flow is approximately 100 cm/sec (+/- 50 cm/sec). With stenosis, this figure is twice as high.

In addition, the normal state of the organ must meet the following criteria:

• both kidneys are bean-shaped with a clearly defined outer contour;
• identical in size to each other, with a permissible difference of no more than 2 cm;
• position relative to each other implies a deviation of no more than 2 cm, while the right kidney is slightly lower than the left;
• in the process of breathing, the mobility of the organ (2-3 cm) is assumed.

In addition, ultrasound analysis reflects the result of the impact on the kidney of other pathologies that are outside of it, for example, various neoplasms, growths, etc.

Significance of ultrasound results

With ultrasound of the kidneys, the norm does not imply significant deviations. Their detection indicates certain pathologies, diseases and dangerous conditions that can lead to the development of diseases.

For example, MKD is not classified as a disease, but is, in fact, a borderline condition. However, if the necessary measures are not taken in time, it can provoke the development of a variety of diseases, such as urolithiasis, gout, etc.

Timely determination of the MCD, thanks to ultrasound, makes it possible to prevent the onset of such severe consequences.

Abnormal sizes of the kidneys, detected by the results of ultrasound, may be of a different nature. For example, if there is only one kidney in the human body, it bears a double burden. This position leads to various changes in it, including an increase in its size. However, if a normal, healthy organ begins to increase at a certain moment, then it can be argued with a high degree of probability that an inflammatory process is developing in it. Comparing all the data obtained, the doctor gives an opinion on the ultrasound of the kidneys about the nature of the changes and determines the treatment.

Important! It should be understood that only a doctor knows how to decipher the results of an ultrasound scan correctly. Independent conclusions based on theoretical knowledge are not enough for this, since the resulting picture is evaluated only in conjunction with other information, analysis results, observations, conclusions made during a patient interview, etc.

In this case, the decoding of the ultrasound of the kidneys specifies the available information, makes it possible to exclude the erroneous definition of the disease, and, accordingly, helps to prescribe the correct treatment.

The findings from this study are very important because kidney diseases often have similar symptoms, can cause identical changes in the composition of body fluids, and so on. Ultrasound, on the other hand, makes it possible to literally see the organ and everything that happens to it. In addition, this method is harmless to the body, which allows it to be used by people of any age, including women during pregnancy.

The norm of ultrasound of the kidneys is those indicators, looking at which, the doctor can exclude the presence of a structural pathology of this paired organ. If the numbers and terms indicated in the study protocol match the normal ones, this indicates that the kidney tissue was not affected. But this does not exclude the fact that kidney function is already impaired, and lower back pain or urination disorders are caused precisely by renal pathology.

Below are the numbers and concepts that indicate the absence of damage to the structure of the kidney.

The norm of ultrasound of the human kidneys

• thickness: 40-50mm
• width: 50-60mm
• length: 100-120mm
• parenchyma thickness - up to 23 mm. This figure is related to the age of the patient, even reaching a minimum of 11 mm in people over 60 years of age.

The norm is also when the following parameters are indicated in the decoding of the ultrasound of the kidneys:

• body is bean-shaped
• left kidney slightly higher than right
• outer contour - smooth, clear
• hyperechoic capsule, up to 1.5 mm thick
• echo density of kidney pyramids is lower than that of the parenchyma
• the renal sinus is equal in echo density to the perirenal (perinephric) tissue
• kidneys of the same echogenicity as the liver or their echogenicity is slightly reduced
• the term "pillars of Bertin" or "partial hypertrophy" of the renal cortex - a variant of the norm
• pelvicalyceal system should not be visualized, with a full bladder it is anechoic
• normal anterior-posterior dimensions of the kidney with ultrasound - no more than 15 mm
• kidney mobility during breathing - 2-3 cm
• the size of the kidneys is the same or differ by no more than 2 cm
• according to Doppler, the resistance index of the main renal artery in the region of the gate is about 0.7, in the interlobar arteries - 0.34-0.74.

Ultrasound of the adrenal glands is normal:

• may not be visualized in overweight people
• right adrenal gland - triangular, left - crescent-shaped
• echostructure - homogeneous
• no clear capsule visible
• tumors smaller than 2 cm may not be visualized.

The kidney ultrasound protocol also contains the following items:

1. Structure anomaly. Here the doctor emphasizes whether there is aplasia, hypoplasia, cyst, spongy kidney.
2. Whether or not there are volumetric formations, where they are located, what kind of echogenicity and echostructure they are.
3. Whether calculi were detected, how many of them, from which side they were detected, their diameter, localization, size, whether there is an acoustic shadow or not.

The process of ultrasound diagnostics of the urinary system

The patient lies on the couch with his back, his stomach to the pubic area and sides should be accessible to the sensor. Next, a gel is applied to the skin, a sensor is placed on it, which is moved along the skin of the abdomen and lower back during the study.

Also during the procedure, the doctor asks the patient to turn alternately on the right and left side, inhale and hold the breath in each of these positions. This is necessary in order to have a good look at the kidney, which, when inhaled, comes out from under the ribs. You can read more in the article on how ultrasound of the kidneys is done.

How to understand the conclusion of an ultrasound

Deciphering the ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder is carried out only by a doctor. He should not only focus on the compliance of the parameters of the kidneys of a given person with the norm, but also take into account the clinical picture and anamnesis.

So, for example, an increase in the size of the kidney can be with its inflammatory process (pyelonephritis, less often - glomerulonephritis). But also the kidney will be enlarged if it remains (or was) in the singular (after the removal of the second organ).

The norm of ultrasound of the kidneys should not contain the terms "microcalculosis", "echogenic formations", "echoes". This means that there are stones in the kidney. Also, there should not be the words "volumetric formations". This may mean that it is either a cyst, or a tumor, or an abscess.

Read also:

How is an ultrasound of the bladder performed?

The result of the study of the kidneys is attached in the form of a photo to the verbal conclusion. If the doctor saw some kind of pathology, it will be indicated on the image with arrows so that the attending urologist or nephrologist himself can draw conclusions.

In cases of detection of vascular pathology or a tumor structure, the best option is for the patient to be provided with a video of an ultrasound of the kidneys. Such visualization will give the doctor the opportunity to better analyze what he saw, compare it with the clinical picture observed in this patient. More often, this service is provided only on a paid ultrasound.

What can ultrasound diagnostics of the urinary system show

This type of study is informative in relation to such diseases and syndromes:

1. Narrowing of the ureters, where the ureters enter or leave the bladder.
2. Omission of the kidney.
3. Inflammation of blood vessels.
4. transplant rejection.
5. Kidney cysts.
6. Tumors.
7. Abscesses.
8. Accumulation of fluid within an organ or in the peritoneal tissue.
9. Dystrophic changes in the kidney.
10. Bladder diverticula.
11. Ureterocele.
12. Inflammatory process in the body.
13. Ultrasound of the kidneys with dopplerography will show vascular diseases of the kidneys.
14. Kidney stones.
15. The presence of air in the renal-pelvic system.

Kidney tumor on ultrasound

The diagnostic value of ultrasound in the detection of kidney neoplasms is more than 97%. A large percentage of tumors are in renal cell carcinoma.

1. In the description of a renal ultrasound, a cancerous tumor may be described by the words "echo-positive mass". A malignant formation most often has a heterogeneous echostructure, it alternates areas with reduced and increased echo density. The contour of a cancerous tumor is uneven, if the tumor grows into the nearest tissues and organs, it is indistinct. Also, a malignant tumor may contain echo-negative areas, which are formed by hemorrhage into the tumor or areas of its necrosis.
2. Lipoma and its types (angiolipoma, myolipoma, fibrolipoma, or a combination) are also common. In this case, the decoding of the ultrasound of the kidney includes the terms "hyperechoic", "homogeneous" formations, which are similar in structure to the tissue around the kidney (perirenal).
3. When the decoding of ultrasound of the kidneys includes the words “anechoic formation”, which also has such terms as “homogeneous”, “with homogeneous anechoic contents”, “without internal echo” in the description, it is most likely a kidney cyst. At the same time, the contours of the formation are even, there are no internal structures, the reflected waves at the boundary are amplified.

Obtaining such results of ultrasound of the kidneys is not yet a diagnosis. You can confirm your suspicion of a malignant tumor only by the results of a biopsy, which is performed under ultrasound control. It is possible to clarify the type of tumor according to computer and magnetic resonance tomograms.

A video clip about the human kidneys and how they function.

Kidney stones on ultrasound

Not all calculi (kidney stones) are visible on ultrasound - some can only be detected with x-rays.

Those that can be visualized by ultrasound are referred to as hyperechoic formations that do not move very actively with the movements of the patient (this is in contrast to air in the pelvicalyceal system).

If the stone is not visible on ultrasound, but it blocks the urinary tract partially or completely, it can be suspected. This is done on the basis of the clinical picture and the fact that the expansion of the urinary tract is visible up to the site of obstruction, and after it, narrowing.

Spongy kidney on ultrasound

This is not the name of a disease. This is a special morphological term, "X-ray diagnosis". It means that a person has a congenital cystic deformity of various structures of the kidney, due to which the organ has acquired the appearance of a sponge.

Such an anomaly is visible only with excretory urography, that is, with x-rays with intravenous contrast. Ultrasound also helps only to suspect this condition.

Almost always this pathology is bilateral. It is believed that it is caused by disorders in the development of the renal tissue of the fetus on later dates pregnancy and in the early period after birth.

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How is the pelvic ultrasound procedure performed?

In this case, the pathology may not manifest itself for a long time, and it can be detected by chance or with complications of this multicystosis (pyelonephritis, calculosis, renal colic, less often - renal failure).

In the video, the doctor tells What are the smallest kidney stones seen on ultrasound.

If you see such a conclusion from a sonologist, immediately contact a urologist. Only he has the right to refute or confirm the diagnosis, almost always only on the basis of an X-ray examination of the kidneys.

Treatment is based on the diagnosis. In mild cases, dieting can be dispensed with; if there are complications of this condition, the treatment may require surgery with drainage, and even removal of the kidney.

How does pyelonephritis appear on ultrasound of the kidneys

Acute pyelonephritis is not always "visible" on ultrasound. For its detection, CT is more informative. But for the detection of an acute inflammatory process in the kidney of a pregnant woman, ultrasound is the "gold standard".

In severe cases, pyelonephritis will show areas of expansion and contraction of the renal sinus. Hypoechoic areas will mean areas in which tissue edema predominates, hyperechoic areas - where hemorrhage into the tissue has occurred.

Also, ultrasound can visualize complicated pyelonephritis, when one or more abscesses or purulent cavities form in the kidney due to purulent inflammation.

Ultrasound "sees" also such a form of pyelonephritis as emphysematous, when specific bacteria enter the kidney tissue. These microbes not only melt the organ from the inside, but also release gases in the process. On ultrasound, in this case, hyperechoic areas with blurry shadows will be visible. In this case, the visualization of the sinus will be distorted by gas bubbles of bacterial origin.

Ultrasound of the renal pelvis

Normally, the renal pelvis is not visible with ultrasound diagnostics. This structure can be visualized only in the case of such a pathology:

1. Enlargement of the pelvis. The main cause of this condition is obstruction of the urinary tract at some level by a tumor, stricture, stone, adhesive process. In order to clarify the cause, you need to do an ultrasound of another kidney, bladder, ureters. If the answer to the question is not found, an X-ray examination is performed with intravenous administration of a contrast agent (excretory urography).
2. Cancer of the renal pelvis. It looks like a hypoechoic formation with an echostructure similar to that of the pelvis and ureter. In this case, Doppler mapping can reveal additional vessels in the pelvis, which will indicate tumor tissue.
3. Renal cell carcinoma or metastases from other cancers may be seen in the pelvis area if they grow into this area.

Where is an Ultrasound of the Kidney Performed?

This is how an ultrasound examination of the kidneys and bladder is done

This type of diagnostics can be performed in a multidisciplinary city or regional hospital, in specialized diagnostic and treatment centers and clinics.

There is also a round-the-clock ultrasound of the kidneys, which can be done either by arriving at the clinic at any appointed time of the day (you can also call there around the clock), or by calling a sonologist with a portable ultrasound scanner at home.

You can find out how much an ultrasound of the kidneys costs by calling the diagnostic center closest to you where this study is carried out.

So, on average in Moscow, this price is 600-1200 rubles, if you need an examination of other organs of the urinary system and adrenal glands - up to 1500 rubles. Calling an ultrasound doctor at home before 18:00 can cost 3,000 rubles, and after this time - up to 4-5 thousand rubles.

Thus, the norm of ultrasound of the kidneys is a relative concept. If all the numbers and terms written in your conclusion coincide with the “normal parameters” listed above, this does not mean that the kidneys are completely healthy.

In some cases, the diagnosis can only be made based on the results of an X-ray examination (computed tomography, excretory urography). Nevertheless, in most cases, it is the ultrasound diagnosis of this organ that is very informative, helping the doctor to determine the disease and prescribe adequate treatment.