Can you see nephrocalcinosis on ultrasound?
The sonographic appearance of medullary nephrocalcinosis is characterized by detection of echo-enhanced structures in the region of the renal pyramids.
What is bilateral renal medullary nephrocalcinosis?
Renal medullary nephrocalcinosis is the commonest form of nephrocalcinosis and refers to the deposition of calcium salts in the medulla of the kidney.
What is the difference between medullary sponge kidney and medullary nephrocalcinosis?
5 The primary difference between MSK and medullary nephrocalcinosis is that MSK is dilation of the collecting ducts of Bellini, whereas medul- lary nephrocalcinosis is calcium deposits or kidney stones within the dilated collecting ducts.
How is nephrocalcinosis detected?
Nephrocalcinosis can be demonstrated on plain radiographs, ultrasonograms, or computed tomography (CT) scans. Most cases of nephrocalcinosis are asymptomatic and are usually identified on plain abdominal radiographs. Planar radiography provides a useful adjunct to plain radiography.
Can nephrocalcinosis be cured?
Lessening of nephrocalcinosis may occur over time, but in many cases, such as when it results from primary hyperoxaluria or distal renal tubular acidosis, nephrocalcinosis is largely irreversible.
How is medullary nephrocalcinosis treated?
Treatment will involve methods to reduce abnormal levels of calcium, phosphate, and oxalate in the blood and urine. Options include making changes in your diet and taking medicines and supplements. If you take medicine that causes calcium loss, your health care provider will tell you to stop taking it.
Can medullary nephrocalcinosis cause pain?
Individuals may not have symptoms or may have symptoms related to the condition causing nephrocalcinosis. If kidney stones are present, symptoms may include blood in the urine, fever and chills, nausea and vomiting, and severe pain in the belly area, sides of the back (flank), groin, or testicles.
Is medullary nephrocalcinosis painful?
In many cases, MSK does not cause symptoms or problems, but when it does it usually happens during adulthood. If problems do occur, it can cause pain in the side and back (known as flank pain), abdomen or groin.
What causes medullary nephrocalcinosis?
It may be caused by use of certain medications or supplements, infection, or any condition that leads to high levels of calcium in the blood or urine including hyperparathyroidism, renal tubular acidosis, Alport syndrome, Bartter syndrome, and a variety of other conditions.
How common is medullary nephrocalcinosis?
Nephrocalcinosis is very common (frequency ~80% on ultrasonography) and may be associated with phosphate supplementation for the condition. Dent disease and familial magnesium-losing nephropathy are rare inherited diseases causing medullary calcification.
Can nephrocalcinosis cause kidney failure?
In addition, late symptoms of nephrocalcinosis may be associated with chronic renal failure.
What are the ultrasound features of medullary nephrocalcinosis?
Ultrasound features of medullary nephrocalcinosis: 1. Early- hyperechogenicity in the periphery of the pyramids 2. Mid- diffusely hyperechoic pyramids, fine to coarse echotexture 3. Late: clumps of calcium, shadowing
Where does nephrocalcinosis occur in the kidney?
Medullary nephrocalcinosis is the result of calcification in the medullary portions of the kidney in the distribution of the renal pyramids. This condition varies from a subtle distribution of the calcifications to a florid deposition of calcium throughout the pyramids.
What causes renal nephrocalcinosis and renal tubular acidosis?
Common causes of renal cortical nephrocalcinosis are chronic glomerulonephritis, acute cortical necrosis and oxalosis. Similarly, major causes of medullary calcification are renal tubular acidosis, medullary sponge kidney and hyperparathyroidism [3].
Are there calcific deposits in the renal medulla?
Ultrasonographic study shows diffusely echogenic renal medulla without posterior shadowing [5]. CT scan shows calcific deposits along the renal medulla that are usually bilateral and symmetrical.