Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine, Vol 12, Issue 4 211-214, Copyright © 1993 by American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine
Focal and diffuse increased echogenicity in the renal parenchyma in patients with sickle hemoglobinopathies--an observation
D. Zinn, J. O. Haller and H. L. Cohen
Department of Radiology, State University of New York, Brooklyn 11203.
Eleven patients with sickle hemoglobinopathies undergoing sonographic
examinations for reasons unrelated to renal parenchymal disease were
incidentally noted to have increased echogenicity in the central portion of
the renal parenchyma. This appearance was observed to be a continuum, with
some cases showing focally hyperechoic medullary pyramids at one extreme
and other cases showing a diffusely echogenic central parenchymal region
relative to a thin band of hypoechoic cortical or peripheral parenchyma at
the other extreme. The finding of hyperechoic medullae of the kidneys has
been reported in patients having conditions associated with hyperuricemia,
medullary nephrocalcinosis, or hypokalemia. This sign has not been commonly
reported as a finding in patients with sickle syndrome. The thin hypoechoic
rim of cortical parenchyma relative to a more echogenic central parenchyma
has not been commented on previously.
