Renal Variants Flashcards
Does a normal variant affect the function of the kidney?
No
When do normal variants develop?
During fetal development
Are normal variants pathological?
No
What is a dromedary hump?
Thickening and bulging of the cortex on the lateral aspect of the left kidney
Why does the dromedary hump only occur on the left kidney?
There is room for the kidney to shape- spleen leaves more space then the liver
Why should you visualize the CM junction when there is a dromedary hump?
To rule out a mass
How can you tell the difference b/w the dromedary hump and a mass?
There will be pyramids within the dromedary hump while there wouldn’t be in a mass
What is a hypertrophied column of Bertin?
2 layers of cortex b/w pyramids
What portion of the kidney does the hypertrophied column of Bertin form in?
Upper/middle portion of the kidney
What does the hypertrophied column of Bertin do to the renal sinus?
Indents the renal pelvis
What should the hypertrophied column of Bertin NOT measure?
> 3cm
What is the appearance of the hypertrophied column of Bertin on US?
Isoechoic to and continuous with the cortex
What is fetal lobulation?
Infolding of cortex but no thinning?
What is the appearance of fetal lobulation?
“Scalloped” contour
What % of adults is fetal lobulation identified in?
51%
Fetal lobulation is a normal appearance until what age?
Up to 6 years of age
What is a junctional parenchymal defect?
Incomplete embryological fusion
Which side is most common to see the junctional fold defect? Why?
Right side because the window (with the liver) allows for great visualization of the right kidney
What is the sonographic appearance of a junctional fold defect?
Wedge shaped hyperechoic defect
Where is a common site on the kidney for the junctional fold defect?
Anterior superior cortex
What can a junctional fold defect be commonly confused with?
Scarring
How does scarring appear on a kidney?
Thinning of the cortex and won’t appear triangular
