Hyperechoic kidneys in a patient with bronchiectasis.
ULTRASOUND : JOURNAL OF THE BRITISH MEDICAL ULTRASOUND SOCIETY 2021;
29:260-263. [PMID:
34777546 DOI:
10.1177/1742271x21989064]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Introduction
Hyperechoic renal cortex in a normal-sized kidney has a range of causes, some of which irreparably damage the kidney and should initiate further investigations.
Case Report
We present a 72-year-old woman with longstanding bronchiectasis, noticed to have worsening renal function. Renal tract ultrasonography showed hyperechoic normal-sized kidneys. Renal biopsy confirmed amyloidosis.
Discussion
Imaging findings in renal amyloidosis tend to be non-specific and are not always present. However, ultrasonography findings of hyperechoic cortex in normal-sized kidneys should not be ignored.
Conclusion
Renal impairment from blood chemistry in addition to hyperechoic kidneys may be the key to diagnosing secondary amyloidosis in a patient with bronchiectasis, a rare association but important to recognise.
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