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ECBSE Ultrasound of the liver CFD ….

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EFSUMB Course Book on Ultrasound Student Edition Editors: Jan Tuma, Radu Badea, Christoph F. Dietrich

Ultrasound of the genitourinary system J.Tuma1, D.Nürnberg2, P.S.Sidhu3, L.Savelli4, F.Trinkler5, A.Szebeni6 F.Záťura7, B.Brkljačić8, B.Nováková9 L.E.Derchi10 1

Sonography Institute, Uster, Switzerland Department of Internal Medicine, Ruppiner Kliniken, Neuruppin, Germany 3 Department of Radiology, King`s College Hospital, London, UK 4 S.Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Italy 5 UroZentrum Zürich, Switzerland 6 Budapest, Hungary 7 Department of Urology, Faculty Hospital Olomouc, Czech Republic 8 Department of Radiology , University Hospital “Dubrava”, Zagreb,Croatia 9 Department Internal Medicine, University of Kosice, Slovakia 10 Department of Radiology, University of Genoa, Italy 2

Corresponding author: Ass. Prof. Jan Tuma Institut für Sonographie Seilerweg 1 8610 Uster Switzerland Tel 0041 44 940 58 12 Fax 0041 44 941 75 00 Email: Jan.Tuma@access.uzh.ch Acknowledgment: None.

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Content CONTENT ............................................................................................................................................... 2 KIDNEY ............................................................................................................................................ 4 TOPOGRAPHY ......................................................................................................................................... 4 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................................... 6 Normal findings .............................................................................................................................. 9 Size .............................................................................................................................................................................. 9 Parenchymal and cortical thickness .......................................................................................................................... 10 EXAMINATION TECHNIQUE ...................................................................................................................... 11

SONOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT CRITERIA ....................................................................................................... 13 Position and shape ........................................................................................................................ 13 Size ................................................................................................................................................ 13 Echo pattern ................................................................................................................................. 15 Architecture .................................................................................................................................. 17 VIP: VERY IMPORTANT PATHOLOGIES ........................................................................................................ 19 Kidney with abnormal position and shape ................................................................................... 19 Dysplasia ................................................................................................................................................................... 19 Double kidney ........................................................................................................................................................... 20 Sigmoid kidney .......................................................................................................................................................... 20 Horseshoe kidney ..................................................................................................................................................... 21 Hypoplastic kidney .................................................................................................................................................... 21 Ectopic kidney ........................................................................................................................................................... 21 Nephroptosis ............................................................................................................................................................ 22

Enlarged kidneys ........................................................................................................................... 22 Enlarged kidneys with echo norm cortex .................................................................................................................. 22 Enlarged kidneys with hyperechoic cortex ............................................................................................................... 22 Enlarged kidneys with hypoechoic cortex ................................................................................................................. 26

Small kidneys ................................................................................................................................ 27 Small kidney with normal cortex echointensity ........................................................................................................ 27 Small kidney with hyperechoic cortex ...................................................................................................................... 27 Small kidneys with hypoechoic cortex ...................................................................................................................... 30

Kidney with contour changes ........................................................................................................ 30 Dromedary hump ...................................................................................................................................................... 30 Lobulation ................................................................................................................................................................. 31 Vascular scar ............................................................................................................................................................. 31 Pyelonephritic scar .................................................................................................................................................... 31

Kidney with abnormal echo pattern ............................................................................................. 32 Kidney with hypoechoic medullary pyramids ........................................................................................................... 32 Kidney with hyperechoic medullary pyramids .......................................................................................................... 32

Kidney with abnormal architecture .............................................................................................. 34 Multicystic Dysplastic Kidney Disease (MCDKD) ....................................................................................................... 34 Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) ................................................................................................................................ 35 Secondary cystic degenerations with terminal renal failure (CRF) ........................................................................... 36 Cystic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) .............................................................................................................................. 36

Anechoic focal changes of the kidney parenchyma ...................................................................... 37 Simple renal cyst ....................................................................................................................................................... 37 Calyx diverticulum ..................................................................................................................................................... 37 Complex kidney cyst ................................................................................................................................................. 38

Solid focal changes of renal parenchyma ..................................................................................... 41 Renal parenchymal tap (hypertrophied column of Bertin) ....................................................................................... 41 Lobar pyelonephritis ................................................................................................................................................. 41 Angiomyolipoma ....................................................................................................................................................... 42 Renal cell carcinoma ................................................................................................................................................. 43 Oncocytoma .............................................................................................................................................................. 45 Chromophobic renal cell carcinoma ......................................................................................................................... 47 Renal metastases ...................................................................................................................................................... 47

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Complex focal changes of the kidney parenchyma .................................................................................................. 47

Changes in renal trauma .............................................................................................................. 48 ADRENAL GLANDS ......................................................................................................................... 48 TOPOGRAPHY ....................................................................................................................................... 48 ANATOMY ............................................................................................................................................ 50 EXAMINATION TECHNIQUE ...................................................................................................................... 51 NORMAL FINDINGS ................................................................................................................................ 54 VIP: VERY IMPORTANT PATHOLOGIES ........................................................................................................ 55 Adrenal gland hyperplasia ............................................................................................................ 55 Adrenal Cyst .................................................................................................................................. 55 Intra-­‐adrenal Hemorrhage (Hematoma) ...................................................................................... 56 Calcification .................................................................................................................................. 57 Adenoma ...................................................................................................................................... 58 Incidentaloma ............................................................................................................................... 59 Myelolipoma ................................................................................................................................. 60 Adrenal Carcinoma ....................................................................................................................... 60 Pheochromocytoma ...................................................................................................................... 61 Lymphoma .................................................................................................................................... 62 Metastases ................................................................................................................................... 63 Differential diagnosis .................................................................................................................... 64 UPPER URINARY TRACT ................................................................................................................. 64 TOPOGRAPHY ....................................................................................................................................... 64 ANATOMY ............................................................................................................................................ 66 EXAMINATION TECHNIQUE ...................................................................................................................... 68 NORMAL FINDINGS ................................................................................................................................ 70 VIP: VERY IMPORTANT PATHOLOGIES ........................................................................................................ 70 Anechoic renal sinus ..................................................................................................................... 70 Variation Norms ........................................................................................................................................................ 70 Urinary obstruction ................................................................................................................................................... 71 Differential diagnosis for congestion stage I: ............................................................................................................ 72 Differential diagnosis of high grade obstruction ....................................................................................................... 73

Hypoechoic renal sinus ................................................................................................................. 74 Hematoma ................................................................................................................................................................ 74 Urothelial carcinoma ................................................................................................................................................ 74

Hyperechoic renal sinus ................................................................................................................ 75 Kidney stones ............................................................................................................................................................ 75

Anechoic changes of ureter .......................................................................................................... 76 Renal colic ................................................................................................................................................................. 76 Differential diagnosis renal colic ............................................................................................................................... 76 Painless (chronic) urinary obstruction with hydroureter .......................................................................................... 76 Vesicoureteral reflux ................................................................................................................................................. 76

Hypoechoic ureter changes .......................................................................................................... 77 Hyperechoic ureter changes ......................................................................................................... 77 Ureter stones ............................................................................................................................................................ 77 Papillary necrosis ...................................................................................................................................................... 78

Urinary jet ..................................................................................................................................... 78 Summary of ureter colic diagnosis ................................................................................................ 78 LOWER URINARY TRACT ................................................................................................................ 79 TOPOGRAPHY ....................................................................................................................................... 79 ANATOMY ............................................................................................................................................ 80 EXAMINATION TECHNIQUE ...................................................................................................................... 81 NORMAL FINDINGS ................................................................................................................................ 81 VIP: VERY IMPORTANT PATHOLOGIES ........................................................................................................ 83

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BLADDER OUTLET OBSTRUCTION .............................................................................................................. 83 The bladder wall ........................................................................................................................... 84 The bladder shape ........................................................................................................................ 85 The bladder content ...................................................................................................................... 86 Bladder volume ......................................................................................................................................................... 86 Echogenicity .............................................................................................................................................................. 87 FOCAL BLADDER DISEASE ........................................................................................................................ 87

Detection and characterisation of focal bladder lesions .............................................................. 87 Focal bladder wall lesions ............................................................................................................. 88 Bladder tumours ....................................................................................................................................................... 88 Extravesicale Bladder Infiltration (pT4 Prostate cancer) .......................................................................................... 90 Pseudotumours ......................................................................................................................................................... 90 Endometriosis of the bladder ................................................................................................................................... 90 Diverticulum .............................................................................................................................................................. 91

Endovesical intraluminal content (filling defects or intravesical masses) ..................................... 91

Bladder stones .......................................................................................................................................................... 92 Blood clot .................................................................................................................................................................. 92 Ureterocele ............................................................................................................................................................... 93 RECOMMENDED READING ....................................................................................................................... 94

FIGURES, ILLUSTRATIONS ........................................................................................................................ 94

Kidney Topography All the urogenital system is retroperitoneally located. Kidneys are sought next to the liver and spleen, close to psoas muscle and the large abdominal vessels. Dorsally of the kidney lies the psoas muscle, ventrally are either the liver or spleen, medial and ventral are the large abdominal vessels. The longitudinal axis is pointing from cranial medial to caudal lateral as well as from cranial dorsal to caudal ventral, which is especially important for the accurate measurement of the renal length. In its short axis, the renal hilus is pointing towards ventral medial [Figure 1-4].

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Figure 1 Normal position of kidneys and ureters.

Figure 2 On the sagittal cut, the longitudinal axis is pointed from dorsal cranial towards ventral caudal.

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Figure 3 In the frontal plane, the longitudinal axis is pointed from medial cranial towards lateral caudal.

Figure 4 The short axis is pointed from dorsal lateral towards ventral medial.

Introduction The macroscopic structure of the kidney can be well depicted by the means of sonography. In the case of obese patients, the outer kidney capsule will be limited by the perirenal fat body and the inner kidney echogenic capsule will represent a kidney contour. The parenchyma can be differentiated in echogenic renal cortex as well as echopoor mark pyramids, which are 12-15 and point conically towards the limit of the kidney sinus. Between pyramids the kidney cortex reaches up to the limit of the sinus. The basis of the pyramid is being limited by light reflexes of the arcuate arteries. In longitudinal axis, the more echogenic and inhomogeneous kidney sinus can be seen ovally in the middle of the parenchyma, in cross section it is contained by it semi-circular form [Figure 5, 6].

Renal artery and vein can be observed coming square out of the renal hilum, whereas the right kidney vein is going straight into the vena cava and the left one first ventrally crosses the aorta. The right renal artery is pointing from behind the vena cava towards the renal hilum [Figure 1, 7].

The ureters turn out of the renal hilum directly towards the caudal. Later on they proceed along the psoas muscle and then cross the iliac vessels to finally reach the

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ureteral orifices of the bladder retroperitoneal [Figure 1]. This anatomical course of the ureters is crucially important when searching for ureter stones.

The urinary collecting system can be especially well visualized during urinary congestion. With a patient in the prone position, the renal pelvis and the ureter can also be shown in undilated condition [Figure 8].

The basic functional unit of the kidney is a lobulus [Figure 9, 10]. It consists of a kidney medulla surrounded by kidney cortex and corresponds to the whole of a rat’s kidney. In a human kidney, 8-14 of such lobules merge together. Sometimes traces of such fusions can be found (so-called lobulation) [Figure 11]. Especially during childhood, this is observed as a norm variation [Figure 12].

Figure 5 Longitudinal section.

Figure 6 Cross section.

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Figure 7 Renal vessels: RRA (= right renal artery) and LRA (=left renal artery).

Figure 8 Ureter outlet in prone position.

Figure 9 A renal lobulus includes a single mark pyramid, surrounded by the cortex.

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Figure 10 Two adjacent lobules of a calf kidney. Clearly visible is the lighter kidney cortex and darker pyramids.

Figure 11 In case of lobulation, places of renal lobules fusion are easily recognizable.

Figure 12 Fetal lobulation in 8 years old child.

Normal findings Size Length (A): 9-14 cm (measured in longitudinal section)

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Width (B): 4-6 cm (measured in cross section) Depth (C): 4-6 cm (measured in cross section) Using the ellipsoid formula, the kidneys volume is calculated by these measurements: Volume ml = A.B.C. π/6 The normal kidney volume correlates with the body surface: Normal kidney volume: 100-170ml/1,73m2 BSA (=body surface area).

For correct measurement of the kidney volumes it is crucial to pay attention to both longitudinal and cross axis of the kidney. Kidneys with a volume > 200ml/1,73m2 BSA count as enlarged, kidneys with a volume < 80ml/1,73m2 BSA count as reduced.

Parenchymal and cortical thickness The parenchymal thickness is measured from the tip of the mark pyramid on to the surface of the kidney [(45)].

The normal parenchymal thickness consists of 14-18 mm.

The parenchymal thickness can be used as a parameter of course, but the measurement should always be carried out in the same place, at the same papilla [Figure 13]. This is particularly important while monitoring a transplanted kidney, but should also be taken into account while controlling the process of chronically diffuse diseases of the parenchyma.

The cortical thickness is measured from the border of kidney mark to the kidney cortex surface [Figure 13].

The normal cortical thickness consists of 8-10 mm.

Narrowings can be found during chronic diseases of the parenchyma with kidney insufficiency. As a result, they correlate with the degree of the kidneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s insufficiency.

Figure 13 Measurement of parenchymal (P) and cortical (C) thickness.

The vascular supply of the kidneys is divided into five segments: They are called upper pole, lower pole, upper anterior, lower anterior and posterior segment. Only in

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60% all five segments originate from one single renal artery; 8% show an artery originating directly from the Aorta for the apical segment, 6% show an artery for the lower segment, in 5% exists a separation of upper and lower pole and/or other segment arteries. Segment arteries divide themselves shortly before entering the kidney parenchyma. First, they give rise to the interlobar arteries, later branching into the arch arteries. Further diversions of the arch arteries consist on the vasa recta leading into the mark pyramids and on the interlobular arteries, leading into the kidney cortex.

Examination technique In the beginning, the patient is examined while lying on the back. The longitudinal axis is searched for in the so-called edge-cut, meaning a section which runs from dorsal cranial to ventral caudal as well as from medial cranial to caudal lateral. The kidney is first measured in longitudinal cuts and is subsequently examined in the short axis or in cross cuts [VIDEO 01, 02 ]. The ribs can sometimes be in the way of showing a clean cross section. In such a case, it is recommended to find a space between the ribs and to let the patient breathe deeply. Thereby, the whole kidney can be examined properly and in detail. The kidney sinus is examined most easily while patients lie prone, which is valid for both children and adults. This position proves successful in most cases to show both the renal pelvis and the outlet of the ureter [VIDEO 03]. Sometimes the kidneys are positioned quite high, the left kidney can be directly subphrenical. In such a case, the examination in a standing position proves most sensible. This can also lead to the observation of a floating kidney (decrease of the kidney of > 5 cm while standing). It is important to observe the respiratory displaceability of the kidney and to compare it with the respiratory displaceability of the liver (and the spleen on the left side) and the musculus psoas. This way, single focal changes can be distinguished from each other, e.g. cysts in kidney or spleen. A lack of displaceability in comparison with the musculus psoas alludes towards a paranephritical abscess or the kidney infiltration by a retroperitoneal tumor.

For an assessment of renal perfusion, a spectral analysis of the kidney parenchymal artery is being derivated while patients lie prone [Figure 14]. Such spectral curves are evaluated from arteries, which are just about to dip into the kidney parenchyma. The renal arteries and veins however, are being assessed while patients lie on their back.

Outlets of the renal arteries can be observed in longitudinal axis [Figure 15-16] as well as in cross section [Figure 8]. In the cross section, one tries to show the entire lengh of the arteries in colour duplex ultrasonography (CDUS). The spectral analysis can be produced from cross cuts as well as from longitudinal cuts.

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Figure 14 Spectral curves from the interlobar artery (representing renal parenchyma).

Figure 15 Longitudinal cut for renal artery (RA) outlets.

Figure 16 Longitudinal cut for renal artery (RA) outlets. Left RA dorsal (red), right ventral (blue).

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Sonographic assessment criteria Deviations from the normal shape of the kidney can be used individually or in combination with each other to carry out an analysis of pathological states. The following criteria are being taken into account: • • • • • •

position and form size contour echo pattern architecture perfusion

Position and shape Due to its complex genesis, kidneys show many norm variations. On the one hand, there are ectopic kidneys with abnormal localisation (e.g. pelvis kidney) or an anomaly of rotation with a ventrally pointed kidney pelvis [Figure 17]. A changed form of the kidney can show in various fusion anomalies (e.g. horseshoe kidney, cake kidney etc.).

Figure 17 Normal and malrotated right kidney (right in the image) in short axis.

Size During acute diseases of the kidney (e.g.. acute Glomerulonephritis, acute Pyelonephritis) the main observation is in general an enlargement of the kidney’s size (length > 13 – 14 cm, volume > 200ml/1,73m2 BSA). However, during chronic diseases (e.g.. chronic Glomerulonephritis, Pyelonephritis) the kidney’s size shows diminution (length < 9 cm, volume < 80ml/1,73m2 BSA). Cortical thickness correlates with the degree of kidney’s insufficiency.

Contour

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Within the norm variation of lobulation [Figure 11], the usually smooth contour is characterisied by a wavy outline with fine drafts. These are the traces of a fusion of single lobuli. Lobulations occur often with small children and babies, more rarely with adults but sometimes with adult patients that suffer from a chronic kidney disease.

Sometimes between individual lobules junctional fusion defects are observed [Figure 18].

Similar to junctional fusion defects and lobulations, vascular scars are located between the mark pyramids. Vascular scars are cuneiform and mostly acute angle shaped defects of the contour [Figure 19]. In contrast, pyelonephritic scars show a flat and concave outline. In the epicenter of the scar lies the mark pyramid. This is caused by processes of shrinkage in single renal lobuli [Figure 20].

Figure 18 Junctional fusion defect.

Figure 19 Vascular scar.

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Figure 20 Pyelonephritic scar.

Echo pattern The echo pattern of the normal kidney is fine-grained and homogeneous. In adults, the kidney cortex shows slightly less echo than liver and spleen, the mark pyramids are usually easily recognizable and are very hypoechoic. The kidney cortex is complexly built, consisting of interlobular arteries, glomerula and convoluted tubules, so that it shows a lot of ultrasound interface [Figure 21]. With an increase of interstitial water (oedema, inflammation, congestion), the amount of interface arise (similar to liver hemangioma) and therefore, the kidney cortex seems richer in echo [Figure 22]. Only when reaching a certain amount of water, a decrease of echo in the cortex can be observed [Figure 23]. It can be observed in acute right heart failure and in severe pyelonephritis.

In contrast to renal cortex, the medullary pyramids contain parallel progressing tubular structures, which hardly influence the sonographic behavior with changes in the interstitial water. Thus, there are many chronic as well as acute diseases of the kidney parenchyma, which are characterized by a more intensified echo in the cortex of the kidney and easily recognizable mark pyramids.

Another modification of the echo pattern can show as an enriched echo pattern in the mark pyramids, which is in most cases caused by storages of either calcium or uric acid [Figure 24].

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Figure 21 Renal vessels are filled with red Silastic速, arcuate and interlobular arteries and glomeruli are visible. A micro-punctured tubule (with convoluted tubules, Henle loop and collecting duct) is filled with white Silastic速.

Figure 22 Large kidney with hyperechoic cortex.

Figure 23 Large kidney with hypoechoic cortex.

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Figure 24 Kidney with hyperechoic mark pyramids.

Architecture The architecture is defined by the outer structure of the kidney in all its complexity.

Deviations of the normal architecture form a set of modifications, which cannot be described by the already mentioned criteria. In cases of polycystic kidney disease (PCKD) or advanced chronic pyelonephritis, a generalized destruction of the normal architecture is usually observed. On the basis of destroyed architecture, it becomes possible to recognize neoplastic modifications.

Perfusion The evaluation of the kidney perfusion is an important sonographic criterion. It can be assessed by CDUS (color duplex ultrasonography) [Figure 14], PWDS (power doppler sonography), spectral analysis and CEUS (contrast-enhanced ultrasonography). PWDS serves for a rough estimation of the overall perfusion in the kidney parenchyma [Figure 25]. It should be spread uniformly within the parenchyma.

A more subtle assessment is enabled by CEUS, which is important for questions considering renal infarction or acute pyelonephritic changes [Figure 26a,b]. In accordance with the settings of Pulse Repetition Frequency (PRF) values, not only a representation of renal arteries becomes possible, but also a depiction of its branches (the segmental, interlobar, arcuate and interlobular arteries) succeeds [Figure 14].

A quantitative evaluation of the kidney parenchyma perfusion is enabled by a spectral analysis of the interlobar arteries. Maximum systolic velocity Vmax as well as minimum end-diastolic velocity Vmin are being detected and the resistive index RI (Vmax - Vmin/ Vmax) is being calculated. These values play an important role in depicting routine controls of transplanted kidneys and also for the evaluation of diffuse renal parenchymatous disease. Normal RI values lie between 0,55 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 0,75 and are age-dependent: For example a patient of 80 years, RI 0,75 is still normal, whereas with a 30 year old patient, RI 0,70 is already too high.

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Figure 25 PWDS (power doppler sonography).

Figure 26 Patient with acute lobar pyelonephritis on upper pole (a). CEUS (contrast-enhanced ultrasonography), same patient: visible perfusion defect 18 sec. after contrast injection, typical for acute pyelonephritis (b). a

b

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VIP: very important pathologies Kidney with abnormal position and shape The kidney goes back to a complex genesis. The human kidney develops, similarly to other mammals, in three steps, or likewise, generations: the pronephros, which corresponds to the primitive kidneys of fish and basically fulfills the function of the glomeruli and the proximal tubules. The structure of the pronephros appears at the human embryo already in the fourth week of pregnancy. They never transgress the rudimentary tubular stadium and, in opposition to the kidney of fish, they never produce any urine and shortly after, they regress. The largest part of the pronephros persists and becomes the structure for urinary collecting system of the following kidney generation.

The development of the mesonephros can be observed towards the end of the fourth week, immediately caudal of the rudimentary pronephros. They consist of large and elongated organs with fully formed glomerula. They function as interim kidneys for a period of approximately four weeks until the permanent kidneys are fully developed.

The tubules of the mesonephros open in the Wolffian duct, which is the caudal continuation of the pronephros duct and which more distal ends in the cloaca. While the mesonephros regresses towards the end of the first trimester, some of the tubules regularly persist to develop into the efferent ducts of the epididymis. The development of the metanephros or the definitive kidney starts at the beginning of the fifth week. Approximately four weeks later, they commence to function. The permanent kidney develops from two main sources: the ureteric bud and the metanephric blastema. The ureteric bud forms a protuberance of the Wolffian duct close to its connection to the cloaca, the metanephric blastema is derived from the caudal portion of the nephrogenic cord. The ureteric bud later on evolves into the ureter and the extended middle section into the renal pelvis, its top branch several times and evolves into the calices and the collecting duct. The ampullary end of the arch-like collecting duct induces the development of glomeruli and tubules in the metanephric blastema. Each collecting duct is therefore linked to proximal and distal tubules as well as to the loop of Henle and to the glomerulus. It forms the functional unit of the kidney, the nephron. The development of the glomeruli is already completed in the 32nd week of pregnancy, when the final number of glomeruli is reached. In cases of disturbed development, the ureteric bud plays a central role due to its impact onto all complex modifications of the architecture of the kidney. In some cases, disturbances of fusional processes of single renal lobuli occur, too. This leads to a series of anomalies considering structure, position and form of kidneys.

Dysplasia A multicystic organ with mostly degenerated tubular structures results from a slightly better interaction between ureteric bud and metanephric blastema. Only in a few cases, intact nephrones are developed. They fulfill excretory functions, but usually this gets lost shortly after birth. The multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK) shows mostly on one side only [Figure 27]. Sometimes only a part of the whole kidney manifests such degeneration.

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Figure 27 Multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK) in 8 years old child.

Double kidney In case of a doubled system, a particularly long kidney can be found, usually with an incision in the parenchyma and with a parenchyma bridge [Figure 28]. The verification of arteries and two ureters confirms a double kidney.

Figure 28 Double kidney with two renal arteries.

Sigmoid kidney The Sigmoid kidney is a special case of the double kidney. The caudal part is malrotated, the other shows an inconspicuous renal hilum [Figure 29].

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Figure 29 Sigmoid kidney with normal upper and malrotated caudal part.

Horseshoe kidney The kidneys are fused at the lower pole, the parenchymal bridge is located in front of the aorta and should not be confused with a solid mass [Figure 30].

Figure 30 Horseshoe kidney:

Hypoplastic kidney The hypoplastic kidney consists of an overall reduced but otherwise normally developed kidney. In most cases, the width of the parenchyma amounts to < 13 mm, the total volume amounts to < 80ml/1,73m2 BSA. Ectopic kidney Ectopic kidneys are kidneys, which are away from their normal positions. Failure to show the kidney in a normal position does not necessarily mean a case of either aplasia or agenesis, and the kidneys should necessarily be sought in other places in the retroperitoneum. Deep in the belly a pelvic kidney can be found, the ectopic kidney is often supplied from the iliac artery (similar to the kidney transplant).

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Nephroptosis This is a dynamic anomaly of position. While in a lying position, the kidney is to be found in the normal location, while in a standing position, a dropping by more than 5 cm is observed.

Enlarged kidneys Kidneys count as enlarged when their longitudinal diameter accounts to more than 13-14 cm or, alternatively, to a volume over 200ml/1,73m2 BSA. The width of the parenchyma lies usually beyond 18 mm, the cortical width over 10 mm. Enlarged kidneys are further subdivided into kidneys with normal cortex echointensity, with hyperechoic cortex and with hypoechoic cortex.

Enlarged kidneys with echo norm cortex A compensatory renal hypertrophy or a solitary kidney leads to an increase of volume as well as of parenchymal thickness, which in most cases reaches over 20 mm. The cortex usually shows echo norm or slightly hyperechoic. The mark pyramids show inconspicuous in these cases.

Enlarged kidneys with hyperechoic cortex The finding of an enlarged kidney with hyperechoic cortex and conspicuous medullary pyramids is nonspecific. The increase of echogenicity is basically caused by an interstitial oedema and/or by infiltrates. Often, these are acute diseases.

Normalisation of the kidney size and the echogenicity of the kidney cortex can be observed after these diseases have been successfully treated or after they fade away (acute and quickly progressive glomerulonephritis, acute interstitial nephritis, acute pyelonephritis). In the case of bilateral disease a normalisation of the kidney function takes place. Because findings are nonspecific, a further assignment of the disease is possible only by clinical criteria: • • • • • •

Acute nepritis Nephrotic syndrom Acute renal failure Acute pyelonephritis Infiltrative nephropathies Acute urinary tract obstruction

Acute nephritis Acute nephritis syndrome is defined clinically by glomerular hematuria and/or erythrocytes casts combined with hypertension and/or renal failure and/or oedema.

This could be caused by acute glomerulonephritis or systemic disease (panaerteriitis nodosa, Wegener granulomatosis etc.)

The definitive diagnosis of acute glomerulonephritis is made through a renal biopsy [Figure 31]. The kidneys with acute nephritis show enlargement, hyperechoic cortex and hypoechic, clearly visible mark pyramids. In the urine sediment dysmorphic (glomerular) erythrocytes and erythrocyte cylinders is found [Figure 32].

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Figure 29 Acute glomerulonephritis (IgA Nephropathy).

Figure 30 Urinary sediment in acute glomerulonephritis

Nephrotic Syndrome The nephrotic syndrome is defined by a proteinuria > 3,5g/24h/1,73m2 BSA. The kidney cortex is hyperechoic. In most cases, they don not show much enlargement, instead they are often surrounded by an anechoic sharp edge due to hypoproteinemia. In this case, too, a more precise classification of the single disease is only possible after renal biopsy.

Figure 31 Nephrotic syndrome.

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Figure 32 Urinary sediment in nephrotic syndrome with typical "Malta crosses" in polarizing light

Diabetic nephropathy This also often manifests itself with a nephrotic syndrome. Already in early stages, an enlargement of the kidney can be observed. In the beginning, the kidney cortex is shown discrete, but later on it becomes more hyperechoic. Even with increasing renal failure, the kidney show enlarged and even normal size in the dialysis stage [Figure 35].

Figure 33 Diabetic nephropathy with nephrotic syndrome, plasma-creatinine 190 Âľmol/l.

Acute renal failure Acute renal failure is defined by its existence in a time period shorter than three months, where there is no renal anemia yet and the level of serum creatinine is increasing rapidly, weekly or even daily.

Acute interstitial Nephritis

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Acute interstitial nephritis is a disease which arises from the reactions to various medications (e.g. penicillin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs etc.) or infections (e.g. Leptospirosis). Its sonomorphology is characterised by enlarged kidneys, by a hyperechoic cortex and clearly visible hypoechoic mark pyramids. This disease can be assumed on the basis of a characteristic case history, its progress, the sonomorphology and the proof of eosinophils in the urine, although a definitive diagnosis can only be guaranteed by renal biopsy.

Acute tubular necrosis If an acute tubular necrosis emerges during a circulatory shock, the kidneys usually don not show any enlargement and the cortex is not more echoic than normal. In many cases, the kidneys sonomorphically show completely inconspicious. This differs from the case of a crash kidney, where inhomogeneous, hyperechoic and hypoechoic areas of the cortex and an overall enlargement of the kidney are to be found. Similar results are also found in cases of toxically caused tubular necrosis, e.g. due to aminoglycosides.

Acute Pyelonephritis Severe cases of pyelonephritis show a diffuse enlargement of the organ with a hyperechoic cortex and prominent hypoechic pyramids. A thickening of the renal pelvis wall is in most cases detectable ( > 3 mm; norm < 2 mm). Due to a disturbance of the renal pelvis motor activity, a slight dilatation can be observed [Figure 36]. Of course, even typical signs (fever, lumbar pain and high CRP) make acute pyelonephritis probable. The distinction between an acute pyelonephritis and a banal urinary tract infection becomes conclusive with the use of CEUS. It allows the representation of less perfused areas in the kidney parenchyma and confirms the diagnosis of an pyelonephritis, similarly to MRT. Pyelonephritis can also lead to focal modifications, where often only single lobulus is affected (see chapter: focal changes of the kidney parenchyma).

Figure 34 Acute pyelonephritis in a 16 year old girl: Cortex and medulla are hyperechoic, pelvis wall thickened (3 mm).

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Infiltrative Nephropathies The category of infiltrative Nephropathies includes diseases, which also show large hyperechoic kidneys, such as storage diseases, lymphomas and leukemias. Of all storage diseases, clinically the most relevant one is Amyloidosis, which manifests through a nephrotic syndrome. The Echo compaction of the kidney cortex proves to be very strong in these cases, and the kidney cortex itself is very strong. The whole kidney is diffusely infiltrated by Amyloid [Figure 38]. The very rare cases of another storage disease called Niemann-Pick disease, a lipid storage disorder, looks similar.

A diffuse infiltration of the kidney by a Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma or by L leukemia can also result in the manifestation of a large kidney with hyperechoic cortex and with even more echoic and therefore less prominent mark pyramids.

Figure 35 Amyloidosis with nephrotic syndrome and normal creatinine: large kidney with hyperechoic cortex.

Acute urinary tract obstruction In cases of a fresh renal colic with an acute urinary obstruction, an enlargement of the kidney as well as an hyperechoic cortex can be observed [Figure 39]. These are the first reactions before the kidney pelvis is being extended. At this stage, a significantly raised resistive index (RI) can be determined for the affected kidney (â&#x2C6;&#x2020;RI > 0,10).

Figure 36 Acute urinary tract obstruction of right kidney by stone.

Enlarged kidneys with hypoechoic cortex This configuration is rare. It has been observed during cases of severe acute right heart failure as well as in cases of fresh renal vein thrombosis and also during Hanta virus infection, an attenuated echogenicity of the cortex with an overall enlarged kidney has been described. A part of the inflammed kidney parenchyma can also appear hypoechoic in cases of focal pyelonephritis (see chapter on focal changes of the kidney parenchyma).

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Small kidneys Small kidneys are defined as kidneys with a longitudinal diameter below 9 cm or alternatively with a kidney volume below 80ml/1,73m2 BSA (=body surface area).

Reduced kidneys appear during kidney hypoplasia, vascular diseases of the kidney and in cases of chronic diseases of the kidney parenchyma. As with enlarged kidneys, small kidneys are also further subdivided into kidneys with normal cortex echointensity, hyperechoic cortex and with hypoechoic cortex.

Small kidney with normal cortex echointensity Kidney hypoplasia Hypoplasia goes back to a disturbance of the kidneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s development and is characterized by a size reduction of the organ and an otherwise inconspicuous look.

Combinations of hypoplasia with dystopia and malrotation can occur (see chapter: kidney with abnormal position and shape).

Nephrosclerosis The kidneys of patients suffering from general arteriosclerosis and/or longer-existing hypertension are in most cases only discretely smaller. They have an inconspicuous echogenicity of the kidney cortex and often enough, characteristic vascular scars can be found (see chapter: kidney with contour changes). The resistive index RI increases often with values of RI more than 0,80. Patients with such a high RI can frequently develop renal insufficiency [Figure 38].

Figure 38 Nephrosclerosis with high RI (= 0.80).

Small kidney with hyperechoic cortex If the kidney shows small in size on both sides, then chronic renal failure appears regularly. This isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the case during a one-sided disease (pyelonephritis). Chronic renal failure is characterized by an existence of at last three months as well as renal anemia and/or renal osteopathy. A small kidneys on both sides means the chronic character of renal failure [Figure 39].

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Figure 39 Small kidney with hyperechoic cortex.

Chronic glomerulonephritis and chronic not destructive interstitial nephritis In both cases, the sonomorphology looks very similar. A hyperechoic cortex can be observed as well as prominent mark pyramids, fine granular contour of the kidney and a well-preserved architecture [Figure 40]. Again, obvious lobulation shows in many cases. A definitive diagnosis can be placed only within a clinical context (e.g. glomerular erythrocyturia during chronic glomerulonephritis) or on the basis of renal biopsy, which is also of prognostic value.

Figure 40 Chronic glomerulonephitis.

Primary oxalosis and hereditary hyperoxaluria In both cases renal cortex and medullary pyramids are extremely hyperechoic. The oxalate crystals are diffusely distributed in the parenchyma. The normal parenchymal structures are partly no longer recognisable [Figure 41].

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Figure 37 Hereditary hyperoxaluria.

Chronic Pyelonephritis Thi is often a unilateral disease, may be on both sides and then also lead to chronic renal failure. Observations include typical pyelonephritic scars (see chapter kidney with contour changes) and a hyperechoic cortex, while the architecture is disturbed.

Large areas of the kidneys have shrunk, others are locally hypertrophic [Figure 42].

In combination of urinary tract obstruction and infection, a special case of pyelonephritis called xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis mimic tumorous diseases.

Renal tuberculosis shows often parenchymal scarring and calcifications and congestion and stenosis in urinary collecting system.

Figure 38 Chronic pyelonephritis with irregular destructed kidney.

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) All chronic diseases can lead to a hardly recognizable and completely shrunken kidney. Even histologically, with ESRD it is difficult to differentiate between chronic pyelonephritis and chronic glomerulonephritis. The tuberculous pyonephrosis with extensive caseous necrosis is known as the end-stage tuberculosis. It usually does not show any traces of a regular structure at all.

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Small kidneys with hypoechoic cortex Renal artery stenosis Renal artery stenosis can lead to a hypoperfusion of the whole organ and to an atrophy of the tubules, which move closer together. There are no infiltrates or oedema. Therefore, the kidney cortex seems more hypoechoic [Figure 43,44]. hypertension, a systematic search for renal artery stenosis would be sensible (see chapter changes of the renal arteries).

Figure 39 Small kidney with hypoechoic cortex with stenosis of renal artery.

Figure 40 Small kidney with hypoechoic cortex with stenosis of renal artery.

Kidney with contour changes The normal kidney contour is smooth. It forms the regular demarcation of the beanlike organ. Both in diseased and normal kidneys, we can find typical deviations of this contour.

Dromedary hump A hump of the outline outwards, the so-called Dromedary hump, is a form variation of only the left kidney. It is presumed, that due to a large amount of space caudally of

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the spleen, the kidney can grow here very well during organogenesis which is opposed on the other side, where the kidney lies close to the large liver.

Lobulation The kidney originates out of the merging of 12-15 lobes. During childhood and sometimes also in adulthood, this fusion shows incomplete. Such an incomplete fusion or merging is called lobulation. Each mark pyramid close to it forms a lobulated kidney contour. At that, the mark pyramid is always in the center of the lobe, and neighboring lobes with arcuate contour connect with each other.

Sometimes, fusion grooves appear slightly deeper. Even with depth it forms a sharp angle, but the hump still is clearly recognizable [Figure 12].

Vascular scar Opposed to lobulation, vascular scars originate out of the arterial flow circuit of renal arterial branches, which lead to the infarction of the tissue. The vascular scar is mostly triangular, an acute angle shaped defect, but sometimes it can also be trapezoid [Figure 45]. Trapezoid scars often lie between single mark pyramids, where the interlobar arteries plunge into the parenchyma. Such scars can often be found with patients that suffer from severe arteriosclerosis, morbus embolicus during endocarditis or atrial fibrillation. Also in cases of longer-existing hypertension, such scars can often be observed.

Figure 41 Vascular scar.

Pyelonephritic scar The pyelonephritic scar is part of chronic inflammatory changes, taking place in either one or more lobes. The affected kidney cortex shrinks, located just above a mark pyramid and, in most cases, it shows more hyperechoic than the surrounding cortex.

Therefore, a shallow and concave scar with a mark pyramid at its center develops under these circumstances [Figure 46].

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Figure 42 Pyelonephritic scar.

Kidney with abnormal echo pattern The normal echo pattern of the kidney shows as homogeneous and the mark pyramid is mostly well recognizable as a triangular shaped and nearly anechoic formation. The peak of the pyramid respectively the renal papilla is pointing towards the hyperechoic renal sinus. The base is limited by arcuate arteries. The kidney cortex can show both hyperechoic and hypoechoic (see chapters: large kidneys, small kidneys). Changes of the medullary pyramids appear additionally to that.

Kidney with hypoechoic medullary pyramids In cases of slight right heart failure, in patients with diuretics and with IgA nephropathy, the medullary pyramids seem particularly hypoechoic. After precisely measuring the kidney cortex and the medullary pyramids echogenicity before and after having prescribed diuretics, it becomes evident, that the effect of particularly hypoechic medullary pyramids had been evoked by an echo densification of the cortex. Other conditions, like an IgA nephropathy or the early stage of a transplant rejection, can also show the image of such particularly prominent and hypoechoic medullary pyramids.

Kidney with hyperechoic medullary pyramids There are conditions showing the opposite of the usually common echo pattern, meaning the medullary pyramids show less echo than the kidney cortex.

Medullary nephrocalcinosis There are different conditions leading to hypercalciuria and precipitation of calcium in the medullary pyramids. One of them is primary hyperparathyroidism, others are sarcoidosis or multiple myeloma. Hyperechoic medullary pyramids are also observed in Conn syndrome, with some forms of Bartter syndrome [Figure 47] and during furosemide abuse. Under all these conditions, the medullary pyramids gradually show hyperechoic. Calcification starts at the periphery of the pyramid and then proceeds to the center.

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Figure 47 Medullary nephrocalcinosis in Bartter syndrome with hyperechoic pyramids.

Medullary sponge kidney Medullary sponge kidneys form a congenital malformation of the collecting duct, which shows cystic extension and is often combined with distal renal tubular acidosis.

The medullary pyramids are hyperechoic. Single little stones are observed inside the cystic extensions. The whole of the mark pyramids is of an overall crumbly character with individual hyperechoic spots, showing very fine posterior acoustic shadows [Figure 48].

Figure 48 Medullary sponge kidney with very small stones (echogenic spots) in cystic extensions of collecting ducts (arrows).

Analgesic nephropathy Due to the abuse of phenacetin, this has been a very common disease in Switzerland. Up to a third the whole dialysis population was affected by this illness.

The formation mechanism comes from a capillary sclerosis in the vasa recta of the medullary pyramids, which leads to a papillary necrosis at the point of the same papilla [Figure 49]. During an early state, hyperechoic spots are recognizable at the point of the papillas, later on almost whole medullary pyramids become calcified and

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necrotic. A small shrunken kidney with hyperechic calcified medullary pyramids can be found during advanced stages.

Figure 49 Analgesic nephropathy (early stage) with calcified tips of the papillae (arrows).

Kidney with abnormal architecture To understand the most essential abnormalities of the kidney, it is necessary to be aware of the complex genesis of the human kidney (see chapter: kidney with abnormal position and shape).

Multicystic Dysplastic Kidney Disease (MCDKD) Multicystic Dysplastic Kidney Disease goes back to a missing connection between the Metanephros and Wolffian duct. This can take place either partially, where multicystic dysplastic focal modifications appear, or generally [Figure 50]. In that case, the whole system of the kidney shows cystic degeneration (MCDKD= multicystic dysplastic kidney disease) and mostly only one kidney is affected.

Figure 50 MCDKD of whole left kidney with multiple cystic formations.

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Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) PKD is a familiar disease. The cysts form out of pre-existing tubular structures. Its appearances are classified into different forms: the juvenile, autosomal recessive and the adult, autosomal dominant variation of this kidney disease. Both kidneys are affected.

Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) In cases of ARPKD, numerous very small cysts are observed [Figure 51]. With newborns, their appearance recalls the pattern of “salt and pepper“. Later on, multiple calcifications in the cysts’ walls can be observed, which is depicted and represented very well by twinkling.

Figure 51 ARPKD with multiple, small cysts (salt and pepper pattern) in 27 year old woman.

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) This variations consist of a large number of big cysts. Clinically, this disease manifests during adulthood. Next to the very big cysts, also numerous very small cysts are observed [Figure 52]. Many calcifications, represented by twinkling, sum up the image. The volume of such a kidney can reach up to 1000 ml.

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Figure 52 ADPKD with multiple large cysts.

Secondary cystic degenerations with terminal renal failure (CRF) With chronic renal failure, a number of secondary cystic degenerations come into play which does not show any specific cause. The kidneys show multiple cysts, but they never reach the scale of variety of cysts or the volume of kidney during forms of ADPKD. This is mostly being observed with long term dialysis patients.

Cystic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) A cystic renal cell carcinoma can show great resemblance to multicystic dysplastic kidneys. Its image consists of a proof of calcifications and cystic as well as visible solid parts [Figure 53, 54]. In cases of very large tumours, the usually recognizable kidney parenchyma could be overlooked, which as a consequence would produce misinterpretations.

Figure 53 Cystic renal cell carcinoma.

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Figure 54 Cystic renal cell carcinoma: with contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) cystic and solid parts of tumour are visible.

Anechoic focal changes of the kidney parenchyma Simple renal cyst A simple renal cyst forms about 65-70% of focal changes of the kidney. Its image consists of a smooth wall, posterior echo enhancement and tangential shadow [Figure 55]. With ageing, the cysts usually grow. Up to 40% of adult patient show at least one simple kidney cyst.

Figure 55 Simple renal cyst (Bosniak I). Thin wall, no septa, anechoic.

Calyx diverticulum In differential diagnosis, one has to make a difference between kidney cysts and calyx diverticulum. They usually show a narrowing towards the kidney pelvis and some of them can hold stones [Figure 56, 57].

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Figure 56 Calyx diverticulum.

Figure 57 Calyx diverticulum: CEUS helps in differentiation from cyst; diverticulum has a clear connection to the collecting system:

Complex kidney cyst Some cysts show thin septa and wall calcifications. But there are also renal cell carcinomas, which consist of cystic as well as solid parts. In the beginning, computer tomography helped for a better differentiation of cysts and mixed cystic-solid space demands, later on sonography using Bosniak classification was introduced: • Bosniak I: simple cyst without septations or other irregularities.

• Bosniak II: cyst with thin wall, septa and possible wall calcifications [Figure 58].

• Bosniak IIF (=follow): echogenic cyst or, via CT hyperdense cyst, which should be controlled in a regular time period of six months to not oversee a malignoma.

CEUS is very helpful here. An echogenic cyst (with bleedings) is being represented with this method as a cyst or non-perfused space [Figure 59].

Therefore, it can be clearly differentiated from a partly perfused space which will probably correspond to a cyst holding a carcinoma. Perfusion of even the smallest solid part of a cyst is always to be taken as a possible malignoma [Figure 60,61].

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â&#x20AC;˘

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Bosniak III: cysts with thick and perfused septa call for further clarification. 4060% of such changes prove to be malignant. Here CEUS is also very useful[Figure 61].

Bosniak IV: cysts with solid parts, 85-100% malignant. Usually, such a case proves to be a clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with secondary regressive modifications and pseudocystic transformation. More rarely it can be a multilocular (cystic) clear cell renal cell carcinoma [Figure 62]. Since the image of a benign cystic nephroma can also show solid parts, cystic parts and always shows calcifications, it is difficult to differentiate here.

Figure 58 Bosniak II: cyst with thin septa.

Figure 59 Bosniak IIF: echogenic cyst.

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Figure 60 CEUS in Bosniak IIF: cyst is not perfused; simple renal cyst with bleeding.

Figure 61 CEUS in Bosniak IIF cyst with perfused solid part; RCC.

Figure 62 Bosniak IV: cysts and solid parts (RCC).

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Solid focal changes of renal parenchyma Renal parenchymal tap (hypertrophied column of Bertin) As a rule, this phenomenon is made from an isoechoic formation leading into the renal sinus. It was referred to as hypertrophied column of Bertin. But renal parenchymal tap is not a true hypertrophy of the cortex, but parts of the adjacent lobules reach deeper into the renal sinus [Figure 10, 63]. Sometimes falls into the renal sinus an entire lobule including mark pyramid [Figure 64]. Due to the inhomogeneity of the image, those cases produce uncertainty and additional investigation is recommended. In atypical cases, CEUS should be the examination of choice.

Figure 63 Renal parenchymal tap with hypertrophied column of Bertin.

Figure 64 Renal parenchymal tap with whole lobulus including medulla in renal sinus.

Lobar pyelonephritis In lobar Pyelonephritis are infected lobules enlarged and frequently hyperechoic, sometimes also hypoechoic, but always in CDUS and PWDS examination with

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reduced perfusion [Figure 65]. Reduced perfusion is together with enlargement and change of echogenicity caused by focal infectious oedema. This can lead to the suspicion of a real tumor, so the CEUS examination can be crucial. Due to the representation of non-perfused areas, CEUS can reveal the existence of an abscess already at its beginning, which would stay undiscovered in the B-mode of an otherwise unremarkable kidney parenchyma.

Figure 65 Lobar pyelonephritis.

Angiomyolipoma This hyperechoic tumour consists partly of fat, partly of vessels and partly of fibroid and proves to be relatively frequent with an incidence of 0.13%. Angiomyolipomas are discovered in most cases accidentally. Tumors are often smaller than 1cm and show hardly any growth over the years. Such small tumors are very well perfused.

The influx during CEUS is almost as fast as that of the surrounding kidney cortex.

Larger tumors have slower influx. The assessment of larger angiomyolipomas can sometimes prove to be somewhat difficult, because large tumors can show evidence of bleeding. As a rule, the clearly hyperechoic structure of the tumor proves to be of diagnostic importance [Figure 66, 67], but in fewcases of tumors without fatty components they can be also hypoechoic.

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Figure 66 Hyperechoic angiomyolipoma.

Figure 67 Hyperechoic angiomyolipoma.

Renal cell carcinoma The most important malignant tumor in the kidney is the renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with an incidence of 0.11%. RCC makes up approximately 3% of all malignancies.

Approximately 90% of primary kidney tumors are RCC; the remaining are embryonal carcinomas, nephroblastomas, embryonal carcinomas, sarcomas, neuroblastomas and some very rare tumors. RCC are further classified and divided into clear cell carcinoma, papillary carcinoma, chromophobic carcinoma and collecting duct carcinoma. The differentiation of benign and malignant kidney tumors is a major issue and the distinction is unsatisfactory in both CEUS and CT, as well as an increasing number of tumor biopsy is also discussed.

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma This group is often hypoechoic and belongs to the most important hypoechoic focal changes [Figure 68-69]. These tumors are very well perfused, which can be represented by both CDUS and CEUS. With such tumors, the influx during CEUS is sometimes steeper than in the surrounding kidney cortex. With larger tumors, both marginal increase of the perfusion and inhomogeneity of perfusion inside the tumor with necrotic areas is characteristic. Besides hypoechoic tumors, there are also hypereochic forms of renal cell carcinoma. In contrast to a case of angiomyolipoma,

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the use of Power Doppler sonography shows strong perfusion. The very rapid influx of the tumour during CEUS is of further help.

Figure 68 Renal clear cell carcinoma (CCRCC).

Figure 69 CCRCC with central hypoechoic zone (a). The same tumour as a surgical specimen with the same central zone (b). a

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b

Papillary renal cell carcinoma This is also a hypoechoic tumour, which usually shows less inhomogeneity. A differentiation is only impossible by means of sonography.

Oncocytoma This is a benign tumour which usually shows more echo than the kidney cortex and is of a mostly homogeneous structure. The occurrence of scars located at the centre is quite common [Figure 70, 71]. Using CEUS, a slowed down influx from periphery to centre is visible [Figure 72, 73]. Because it is hardly distinguishable from chromophobic carcinoma, this tumour, although benign, is often operated.

Figure 70 Oncocytoma.

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Figure 71 Oncocytoma in B-mode without specific changes.

Figure 72 CEUS: Oncocytoma with typical central zone and perfusion from periphery to the centre.

Figure 73 The same tumour as a surgical specimen.

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Chromophobic renal cell carcinoma The sonographic characteristics of this tumour are similar to the ones of an oncocytoma. Even the histological differentiation of these two tumors is not always easy.

Renal metastases Renal metastases occur with advanced disease. Metastases have been found in many tumours including lung cancer, ovarian cancer, leiomyosarcoma or neuroendocrine tumors. Since the introduction of CEUS, the existence of renal metastases has been found to occurr more frequently than previously presumed, which corresponds to pathological-anatomical studies.

Complex focal changes of the kidney parenchyma It can be problematic to differentiate between multicystic-dysplastic kidneys and tumours like the clear cell renal cell carcinoma or the multilocular cystic renal cell carcinoma, as both of them can show solid and cystic or pseudocystic parts. With carcinoma, there is always a part of an intact kidney, however small, which is one of the main differences of multicystic-dysplastic kidneys. Another change with a highly complex structure is the benign cystic nephroma, a benign tumour which consist of both cystic and solid parts and also of calcifications [Figure 74]. Even though the Wilms tumour is usually structured solidly, with very little cystic parts, variations of this tumour are found with almost only cystic parts. Even very large angiomyolipoma can show serious bleeding and therefore consist of a complex structure with areas that are hypoechoic.

As a rule, tumours with a complex structure of partly cystic and partly solid shares are generally large. The diagnostic task here is problematic and even combined imaging (CEUS, CT, MRT) does not always lead to a definitive diagnosis. Therefore most cases, benign or not, are operated.

Figure 74 Benign cystic nephroma.

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Changes in renal trauma Perirenal and intrarenal hematoma as well as renal pelvis hematoma are observed. A rapid detection of traumatic kidney ruptures is crucial and very important [Figure 78].

If the situation after using B-mode and CDUS are still ambiguous, either a computer tomography or CEUS should be carried out . By these means, the rather indistinct changes of the kidney rupture can be safely detected. With blunt abdominal trauma, it is important to assess both the parenchymatous organs and the free liquid in the abdominal region. Besides kidney ruptures, ruptures of spleen and pancreatic contusion are quite common. Taking into account the high exposure to radiation during computer tomography (a full investigation with contrast agents corresponds up to about 400 chest images), CEUS should be preferred, particularly with children and adolescents. provided that the relevant departments are familiar with this method.

Figure 75 Kidney rupture in CEUS.

Adrenal glands Topography The adrenal glands are located within the retroperitoneum. The right adrenal gland faces supramedial the right kidney and posterolateral to the inferior vena cava. These are the principal landmarks on the right side. Typically the right adrenal gland is visualized behind the right lobe of the liver and anterior to the inferior (lumbar) crus of the diaphragm.

The key landmarks of the left adrenal gland are the aorta medially, the left inferior crus of the diaphragm (Crus diaphragmaticum sinister and the lower pole of the spleen or upper renal pole laterally. Not infrequently, the adrenal glands extend down to the level of the renal hilum [Figure 76].

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Figure 76 Diagram of the right adrenal gland showing their relations to adjacent organs.

Besidess the kidneys the adrenal glands are bordered by the liver and inferior vena cava on the right side and by the aorta, splenic vein and tail of the pancreas on the left side.

Enlarged adrenal glands (wings of glands > 2 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5 cm long and 6 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 10 mm thick) are detectable in a high percentage of cases, the normal sized adrenal glands are visible with trained examination techniques and by using high resolution technology (right > left). The adrenal region on each side appears as a triangular echogenic area bordered by the landmarks noted above [Figure 77 and 78].

Figure 77 Diagram of the right adrenal gland showing her relations to adjacent organs.

V. CAVA

RIGHT KIDNEY

Figure 78 Diagram of the left adrenal gland and therelation to adjacent organs.

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PANCREAS

LEFT KIDNEY

Anatomy The adrenal glands are small, cap-like glandular organs situated in close proximity to the kidneys. The adrenal glands are composed of hypoechoic cortex and hyperechoic medulla [Figure 79]. The adrenal cortex secretes cortisol, aldosterone, and sex hormones, while the adrenal medulla secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine. Often these “suprarenal” glands are incorrectly looked for above the kidneys, but the term “adrenal” correctly implies that each gland is predominantly medial to the upper pole of the associated kidney. The right adrenal gland has a linear or V shape, while the left adrenal gland is more V- or Y-shaped. The wings of each gland are 2 – 5 cm long and 6 – 10 mm thick.

Figure 79 Sonoanatomy of the right adrenal gland. Cortex is less echogenic and medulla, producing adrenalin and noradrenalin is more echogenic.

Previously, the representation of the normal adrenal was rarely possible. The visualization of the right adrenal gland is possible with modern equipment in most cases. Not so easy is the representation of the left adrenal gland. Here endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is helpful [Figure 80]. CT can consistently define the normal-sized adrenal glands of both sides.

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Figure 80 Sonoanatomy of the left adrenal gland - image by high resolution endosonography. The proximal and the caudal limbs are visible in high resolution quality and the adrenal gland medulla is more echogenic.

Examination technique Normally used transducer is a convex probe with high resolution in depth and in tissue-harmonic-functions (2-9 MHz in B mode). Blood supply can be evaluated by CDUS (Color Doppler Ultrasonography), fine circulation can be examined by CEUS (contrast-enhanced ultrasound). There are also interventional methods that can improve the differentiation. Those methods enable the transducer to get close to the targeted tissue. EUS (endoscopic ultrasound) can be used especially for imaging of the left adrenal gland.

The normal position for examination is the dorsal decubitus position. On the right side of the body one would optimally use a lateral scan in which the kidney is in cross section view [Figure 81].

Figure 81 Probe position for exploration of right adrenal gland.

The probe is tilted down in this position to represent structures above the kidney. The vena cava, liver and diaphragm are clearly represented [Figure 82].

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Figure 82 Representation of vena cava (vc), diaphragm (D) and liver (L).

The probe is then tilted upwardly to represent adrenal gland between the diaphragm and liver [Figure 83].

Figure 83 Tilting probe upwardly right adrenal gland will be visible.

With further tilting it finally reaches the upper pole of the right kidney [Figure 84].

Figure 84 By tilting the probe upwardly reaches the upper pole of kidney.

The left adrenal gland is inherently more difficult to scan than the right because it lacks the acoustic window of the liver and is obscured by air in the stomach. The left

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adrenal gland is possible to represent from ventral under optimal conditions in fasted lean patients [Figure 85].

Figure 85 Probe position for examination of left adrenal gland from ventral.

The adrenal gland is located here between kidney, pancreas and splenic vein [Figure 78]. The adrenal gland has in this case the shape of the letter A. [Figure 86].

Figure 86 Left adrenal gland from ventral view.

It is usually better to use an intercostal flank scan through the spleen. The adrenal gland is shown between spleen, diaphragm and upper pole of the left kidney [Figure 87].

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Figure 87 Left adrenal gland from left intercostal view.

The adrenal gland here has the shape of lying V or <.

Normal findings The adrenal glands can almost always be visualized in newborns. The physiological hypertrophy at this stage of life results in relatively large glands that can easily be identified using ultrasound and show clear corticomedullary differentiation [Figure 88].

Figure 88 Normal adrenal gland of an infant, consisting of a hyperechoic medulla and hypoechoic cortex.

The adrenal glands will be smaller in childhood and adulthood. On the right side the normal adrenal gland is regularly visible using optimized examination techniques (approximately 1 x 4 cm) [Figure 83]. The normal left adrenal gland is visible in about 40-50 % of all cases. The proper region in which the left adrenal gland is located, is nevertheless important [Figure 86, 87].

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VIP: very important pathologies Adrenal gland hyperplasia Hyperplastic adrenal glands are usually hypoechoic, especially in the cortical zone.

They appear plump and elongated, may show low level nodular echoes and the borderline between cortex and marrow disappears. The adrenal gland here is larger than 10 mm, usually only moderately enlarged (to 2 cm) [Figure 89]. Adrenal hyperplasia can occur, for example, as an adaptive response in ACTH-dependent Cushing syndrome. It may have a paraneoplastic cause, or it may occur in hyperaldosteronism. The hyperplasia is even bilateral in most cases. The EUS on the left side shows the hyperplastic adrenal gland better than transcutaneous ultrasound.

Differentiation to adenoma normally is only possible by histology or cytology (s.o.

FNAB).

Figure 89 EUS shows on the left side an enlarged proximal shank of adrenal gland, which occurs in nodular hyperplasia.

Adrenal Cyst A cyst of the adrenal region is anechoic, has smooth margins, and shows distal acoustic enhancement. Its extent is variable. True cysts have regular walls and are filled with serous material [Figure 90].

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Figure 90 Round, sharply circumscribed, echo-free mass located dorsal to the right liver and cranial to the right kidney: adrenal cyst.

Most cystic masses in the adrenal region are secondary cysts that develop following pancreatitis, hemorrhage, or inflammation. Seldom cystic tumours like pheochromocytoma or lymphangioma are observed. The greater mobility of adrenal cysts serves to differentiate them from hepatic cysts in the right adrenal region. Lack of contact with the renal parenchyma distinguishes them from a cyst of the upper renal pole.

Intra-adrenal Hemorrhage (Hematoma) Bleeding into an adrenal gland is anechoic in its early stage. It can occur in newborns due to obstetric trauma, hypoxia, or coagulation disorders. Intra-adrenal hemorrhage may correlate clinically with adrenal insufficiency. A large central hemorrhage (adrenal apoplexy) consistently leads to the marked enlargement of the gland [Figure 92]. An older hemorrhage becomes increasingly echogenic over time and may eventually be completely absorbed. Differentiation is required from partially cystic neuroblastomas in small children.

Up to 25% of patients who sustain blunt abdominal trauma are discovered to have hematomas in the adrenal region. They also occur in patients on anticoagulant medication and can lead to hypocortisolism (Addisonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s disease).

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Figure 91 Anechoic intra-adrenal hemorrhage in a newborn with high resolution ultrasound.

Calcification Calcification of the adrenal glands may be partial or complete. This calcification is characterized as anywhere in the body with extremely hard echoes, posterior acoustic shadowing and CDUs by twinkling artifact. Calcifications can result from a adrenal hemorrhage or in the context of the adrenal tuberculosis [Figure 92]. Patients occasionally show the clinical manifestations of Addisonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s disease.

Figure 92 the proximal left kidney in the adrenal gland region showinga classical calcification with dorsal acoustic shadow.

However, calcifications can also develop in tumours (carcinoma, metastases, pheochromocytoma, adenoma) [Figure 93].

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Figure 93 Small calcifications also occur in tumours of the adrenal gland, most often observed in pheochromocytoma

Adenoma Adenomas are uniformly hypoechoic with smooth margins and a round to oval shape, although some lesions have scalloped borders (polycyclic) [Figure 94-95]. Adenomas occasionally have an inhomogeneous appearance. Autopsy statistics indicate that they are quite common (10–20%), but most adenomas (90%) produce no endocrine symptoms, they are ”silent“ and too small to be seen with ultrasound. The average size of adenomas in one study was 1.5 cm, although they may exceed 5 cm in diameter. In a small percentage of patients adenomas are bilateral. Functioning and nonfunctioning adenomas are indistinguishable by their sonographic features.

Figure 94 Medial to the upper pole of the right kidney is a sharply circumscribed, hypoechoic mass: typical adrenal adenoma.

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Figure 95 Hypoechoic, sharply circumscribed adenoma of the right adrenal gland discovered at routine ultrasound, confirmed by ultrasoundguided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB).

Incidentaloma An incidentaloma is an adrenal tumour that is detected incidentally in an asymptomatic patient. Incidentalomas are found in 1% of CT examinations. They are less common in routine ultrasound examinations, because often the correct examination technique of the adrenal glands is not applied. The predominantly hypoechoic tumours account for the great majority of incidentalomas [Figure 96-97].

Approximately 10% to 15% of these tumours are hormonally active. In some cases, ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration can also aid in the evaluation of incidentalomas but only approximately 1% to 2% of these tumours are malignant.

Figure 96 Approximately 5 cm hypoechoic inhomogenous mass above the right kidney: adenoma (incidentaloma) without associated symptoms, detected at routine upper abdominal ultrasound.

Histology identified as an adrenal adenoma (most common incidentaloma).

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Figure 97 Abdominal ultrasound examination incidentally found most hypoechoic lesions smaller than 2 cm without clinical symptoms â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which is typical for incidentalomas

Myelolipoma Adrenal myelolipoma has smooth margins and a homogeneous hyperechoic structure [Figure 98]. It resembles a renal angiomyolipoma in its sonographic features. Posterior acoustic shadowing is often present. Malignant transformation is not known to occur. The tumour consists histologically of fat and bone marrow tissue (hematopoietic cells and reticular cells). Intratumoral hemorrhage and calcifications may be seen.

Figure 98 Homogeneous, sharply circumscribed, hyperechoic tumour adjacent to the right kidney. A classic adrenal myelolipoma.

Adrenal Carcinoma Adrenal carcinoma is usually inhomogeneous hypoechoic or echocomplex with irregular margins. It frequently infiltrates its surroundings and metastases can be demonstrated in the adrenal region and in other organs (e.g. the liver) [Figure 99].

The adrenal carcinoma is a very rare (1 : 1,7 million inhabitants), a highly malignant tumour with a poor prognosis. Adrenal carcinoma is indistinguishable sonographically

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from a metastasis, although the visualization of additional tumours can advance the differential diagnosis. Most adrenal carcinomas are hormone producing. Sometimes one can get evidence from detection of other tumour signs. The tumour is usually detected only after it has reached considerable size (often >8 cm). Intratumoural hemorrhage, necrotic foci, and calcifications may occur, adding to the variegated appearance.

Figure 99 Adrenal carcinoma may be hypoechoic or may have a complex echo structure. Usually it was relatively large when diagnosed (in this case 8 × 9 cm) and had irregular margins.

Pheochromocytoma Pheochromocytoma is a tumour of the adrenal medulla that is generally detected sonographically (80–90% of cases) following the appearance of clinical symptoms (hypertension and tachycardia caused by increased catecholamine secretion).

Most pheochromocytomas are already several centimeters in diameter when diagnosed. They have smooth margins, a round shape, and a nonhomogeneous or complex echo structure.

Hypoechoic liquid components are also observed. A spectrum of appearances may be seen [Figure 93,100 and 101]. Pheochromocytomas are bilateral in approximately 10% of cases and extra-adrenal in 10–20%.

The “Zuckerkandl organ” should be looked for at the level of the origin of the inferior mesenteric artery, anterior to the aorta.

Other extra-adrenal sites are the renal hilum, bladder wall, and thorax.

Pheochromocytoma is occasionally seen posterior to the renal vein in transverse scans. Rarely, pheochromocytoma is diagnosed in the setting of multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN). From 2% to 5% of pheochromocytomas are malignant. Owing to the risk of inciting a hypertensive crisis, fine-needle aspiration biopsy causes discrepant discussions about this procedure.

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Figure 100 Nonhomogeneous tumour with a hyperechoic center (positive endocrine test, increased catecholamine secretion) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; phaechromocytoma.

Figure 101 Large, functionally active pheochromocytoma (7 cm in diameter).

The scan shows that most of the tumour is hypoechoic with some hyperechoic regions.

Lymphoma The adrenal region is a rare extranodal site of occurrence for lymphoma. Foci of lymphomatous infiltration have smooth borders and are hypoechoic [Figure 102].

Differentiation is required from lymphomas in the renal or splenic hilum. If invasion by lymphoma is suspected, other nodal stations should be scanned and commonly infiltrated organs (spleen, liver) should be closely scrutinized.

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Figure 102 Perisplenic lymphoma in the left adrenal region of a patient with Bcell lymphoma. Colour Doppler shows hypervascularisation of the lymphatic tissue.

Metastases With their rich blood supply, the adrenal glands are the fourth most frequent site for hematogenous metastasis. Metastases to the adrenal glands account for the majority of solid adrenal tumours after the adenomas.

In contrast to adenomas these lesions are less homogeneous and often have irregular margins [Figure 103]. The most common primaries are bronchial carcinoma (25â&#x20AC;&#x201C;30 %), breast carcinoma and malignant melanoma (in Europe). Other possible sources are gastrointestinal (especially in Asia), urological and gynecological tumours (renal carcinoma, gastric carcinoma, pancreatic carcinoma and others).

Adrenal metastases are bilateral in up to 30% of cases, and this can produce clinical manifestations of Addisonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s disease. Bronchial carcinoma is virtually the only tumour that is associated with isolated adrenal metastases (in approximately15-20 %).

Figure 103 Large metastasis from bronchial carcinoma on the right side, with a very inhomogeneous internal structure. Solid components are seen with central liquid areas

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Differential diagnosis Enlarged or tumorous adrenal glands need to be distinguished from other possibly tumourous structures in the surrounding area of the adrenal gland. In differentiating one has to consider tumours of the kidney, pancreas [Figure 104] and spleen (especially accessory spleen) or vascular abnormalities and lymphoma. In the differential diagnosis it must be taken into account, that adrenal gland tumours always dislocate the surrounding structures. When the adrenal gland tumour is extremely large, it may be difficult to find the neighbouring organs.

Figure 104 Transsplenic scan of a large, hypovascular malignant tumour of the pancreas tail.

Upper urinary tract Topography The pper urinary tract consist of the renal pelvis, calyces and ureters. Pyelocaliceal system is in most cases within the renal sinus, an area which is surrounded by the renal parenchyma. In the renal hilum, which is normally directed medially and ventrally, there are both renal vessels as well ureter, sometimes also a part of the renal pelvis where pyeloureteral transition is found. While the vessels at right angles from the renal hilum escape, the ureter runs direct caudally along the iliopsoas musccle [Figure 105].

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Figure 105 Ureters runs along the aorta and vena cava on iliopsoas muscle.

Finally, the ureter reaches laterally turning pelvic vessels. The ureter crosses anteriorly to the external iliac artery and vein in order to turn dorsally and caudally toward the bladder [Figure106]. The terminal ureter finally reaches the bladder by turning anteriorly and medially [Figure 106].

Figure 106 Ureters crossing iliac vessels.

Vas deferens and seminal vesicles cross the terminal ureter, to enter into the prostate [Figure 107].

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Figure 107 Terminal parts of ureters in men.

In women, the ureter crosses the ligamentum rotundum, which is coming through the inguinal canal (similarly to ductus deferens) from outside the ventral and attracts to the uterus. Kidneys and ureters are lying in the retroperitoneal space. Behind the ureter are the back muscles, Iliopsoas and quadratus lumborum, ventrally is located peritoneal cavity with bowel loops.

Bowels are often aerated. The air makes sonographic examination difficult to impossible. To represent ureter, the proximal portion is examined in the prone position, viewing through back muscle to avoid disturbing air. Another part of the ureter is represented in the supine position. The ureter is located in front of the pelvic vessels and crosses them at their bifurcation into internal and external branches.

Subsequently the ureter disappears behind air-containing bowel loops, only significantly extended ureter is visible in this part. A full bladder enables the optimal representation of the terminal ureter. Ureteral junction is located by means of urine jets. Subsequently terminal ureter is followed retrograde, which can be often done surprisingly far.

Anatomy The task of the upper urinary tract is to transport the urine produced in the kidneys into the bladder. This feature is supported by peristaltic waves in both pyelocaliceal system and in the ureter. The urinary tract are cavities, the wall of which is lined on the inside with transitional epithelium, followed by a layer of submucosa and layer of smooth muscle, which is responsible for the peristaltic waves and thus active transportation of urine. The wall thickness of pyelocaliceal system and ureteral wall is normally â&#x2030;¤ 2 mm. This wall is thickened in pyelitis and chronic obstruction of the urinary tract and reaches more than 3 to 4 mm thickness. The calices enclosing the medullary pyramids, the enclosed parts of the medullary pyramids are the renal papillae. The papillae are periodically compressed due to peristalsis of calices, similar to the milking mechanism. The fornix angle is the angle between papillae wall and outer calyx wall [Figure 108].

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Figure 108 Normal fornix angle.

This angle is under physiological conditions small, under 90째. Congestion of the pyelocaliceal system leads to the ballooning of calyces and calyx necks. The fornix angle are broadened over 90째, at higher of congestion even over 120째[Figure 119]. grade Figure 109 Broadened fornix angle in congested kidney.

The embryogenesis and fylogenesis of the kidneys and upper urinary tract is extremely complex. Therefore in addition to normal findings many standard variants are found: double ureter, double renal pelvis, ureter fissus are the most common [Figure110].

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Figure 110 Double renal pelvis with double ureter.

Examination technique The examination of the upper urinary tracts consists of an assessment of renal sinus and ureter as it progresses from renal pelvis to bladder. This area is being superimposed ventrally by intestines and is, looked at sonographically, therefore often covered by air. A prone position or a side position can help the examination to be successful, especially as the first few centimeters are represented more clearly in a prone position [Figure111-112].

Figure 111 Prone position for ureter examination

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Figure 112 Normal ureter visible in the prone position.

The outlet of the ureter can also usually be made visible in this position and in most cases of only slightly broadened ureter, a longer section up to the iliac bone can be represented. The examination is carried out either in cases of a corresponding clinic, i.e. renal colic, when suspecting urinary obstruction, or, when accidentally the proof of a change in the renal sinus has been found. It is important to explore the renal pelvis during the assessment of urinary tract infections. After the representation of the first section between renal pelvis and iliac in a prone position, the further progression up to the crossing of pelvis vessels can be carried out in a side position or, in case of a lack of flatulence, in a back position [Figure113].

Figure 113 Ureter crossing iliac vessels.

The last section of the ureter is often difficult to see. The best outcome is the representation of the ureteral orifice [Figure114] and a following of the ureter back to the crossing with the pelvic vessels.

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Figure 114 Ureteral orifice and terminal ureter.

Normal findings The normal findings of the renal sinus contain mostly hyperechoic structures, the perirenal fat and the renal vessels and the non-extended pelvis. In children and slim people echo-free dilated renal veins are observed and can lead to confusion with extensions of the collecting system. The collecting system is assessed well in a prone position and it can be depicted clearly in most cases. The ureter outlet is also clearly visible in this position. Only when a ureter is broadened 2 cm after pyeloureteral transition by an enlargement of more than 5 mm, defines a dilatation of the ureter.

VIP: very important pathologies Anechoic renal sinus Dilatation of the collecting system occurs during urinary obstruction, with vesicoureteral reflux and during pregnancy. All these forms show an anechoic representation of the collecting system. In case of an only slightly enlarged renal pelvis, it is particularly important to depict the outgoing ureter.

Variation Norms The renal sinus sonomorphologically shows a large variety of almost inhomogenuous up to homogenous occurence. The amount of sinus fat and how it behaves is therefore crucial. With children and slim adolescents holding little sinus fat, anechoic tubular structures (mostly broad renal veins), shares of collecting system and vessels appear. With elderly people, the sinus fat can also appear highly hypoechoic and therefore lead to confusion with dilatation of the collecting system (hydronephrosis).

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Urinary obstruction In case of a dilatation of the collecting system form anechoic spaces which intertwine into each other and dissociate from the remaining sinus. Depending on the level of obstruction, following classifications are made: • • • • •

intrarenal obstruction within tubuli and collecting ducts (e.g. with acute gouty kidney) calyceal obstruction (e.g. with calyceal stenosis in tuberculosis) obstruction at the pyeloureteral transition (e.g. with congenital stenosis) ureteral obstruction (e.g. during passage of stones, necrotic papillae or blood clots) infravesical obstruction (prostatic hyperplasia, urethral stenosis).

Furthermore, we distinguish between acute (hours to days), subacute (days to weeks) and chronic obstructions (months to years). An obstruction can occur either totally or partially. A total obstruction poses an urgent danger for the kidney.

Obstructions located at the pyeloureteral transition or distally from it lead to dilatation of the collecting system or hydronephrosis. A sonographical classification of hydronephrosis or urinary obstruction takes the following parameters into account: changes of the renal sinus, changes of the parenchyma thickness and changes in the spectral curve of interlobar artery.

Acute obstruction With acute obstruction, the volume of the affected kidney increases. There is an increase in echo intensity in the kidney cortex and a significant increase of the resistive index (∆RI ≥ 0,10 compared to other kidney).

Chronic obstruction Chronic obstruction leads to a gradual dilatation of the collecting system without any difference of the RI values. Following stages of hydronephrosis are distinguished [Figure115]:

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Figure 115 Stages of hydronephrosis: above: left normal, right degree I; second line: left degree II, right degree III; third line: left degree IV, right end-stage hydronephrosis.

Degree I: Slight expansion of pyelon while both renal pelvis and calices appear anechoic. 2 cm from the pyeloureteral transition, the outgoing ureter should be at least 5 mm wide.

Differential diagnosis for congestion stage I: A congestion of degree I can be simulated by widened renal veins. These tubular structures resemble the image of an expanded collecting system [Figure 116]. But renal veins do not leave caudally, but directly towards the large abdominal vessels.

The use of CDUS clarifies the situation.

Another form variation of the renal pelvis is the ampullary renal pelvis which seems slightly more robust while calyceal necks and ureters do not appear expanded, so that it can be clearly distinguished form a degree I hydronephrosis [Figure 117].

Figure 116 Prominent renal veins.

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Figure 117 Ampullary renal pelvis.

Degree II: Obvious expansion of pelvis, calyces including calyceal necks . The fornix angle can still lie below 90째 , the kidney parenchyma shows normal thickness.

Degree III: pelvis, calyces including calyceal necks show obvious expansion and practically fill out the whole of the renal sinus. Often, parts of the pelvis already lie extrarenally. The parenchyma does not show any narrowing and the fornix angle lies above 90째.

Degree IV: Significant narrowing of the parenchyma with a fornix angle mostly above 120째. At the end of this progression lies the final stage without recognizable parenchyma.

Differential diagnosis of high grade obstruction Megapolycalicosis This is characterized by multiple large calyces. This malformation goes back to extremely short mark pyramids that cannot be rendered visible in such images. Both the absence of mark pyramids and very many enlarged calyces are highly specific for this diagnosis [Figure 118]. There is no expansion of either the renal pelvis or outgoing ureter.

Figure 118 Megapolycalicosis.

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Parapelvic cysts Another similar case of high grade hydronephrosis is formed by parapelvic cysts, which can often simulate hydronephrosis. While carefully analysing the image, the following criteria lead to a correct diagnosis: Absence of caliectasis with a missing connection of single cysts to a renal pelvis and absence of an expanded ureter [Figure 119].

Figure 119 Parapelvic cysts.

Hypoechoic renal sinus Opposed to the quite frequent depiction of hydronephrosis, hypoechoic changes of the renal sinus rarely occur.

Hematoma These hematoma, either post traumatic or as a complication after renal biopsy or lithotripsy, are observed in the collecting system.

Urothelial carcinoma Some tumors are located in the renal sinus. The most frequent one is the urothelial carcinoma. It can be observed as a hypoechic formation in the renal sinus [Figure 120]. Sometimes diagnosis is possible only after additional examinations such as CEUS, CT or MRT-imaging.

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Figure 120 Urothelial carcinoma,

Hyperechoic renal sinus Kidney stones From a certain size upwards, these strongly hyperechoic formations can be depicted by means of B-mode. However, it is much more convenient to use CDUS while searching. During examination, PRF should be set high and gain just below the artifact limit. Like this, a colour artifact arises, the so-called twinkling. It reveals hard reflectors in the area of the sinus [Figure 121].

Figure 121 Twinkling artefact in case of calyceal stone.

These artifacts occur in more than 80% of even tiniest kidney stones [VIDEO06]. Yet the composition of the stones is of no importance and the artifacts are being produced by both calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate or uric acid. Twinkling artifacts are not specific for a certain kind of stone and they are being observed as calcifications of vascular walls, of necrotic papillae in analgesic nephropathy, chronic pyelonephritis or during medullary nephrocalcinosis. Besides, one has to pay attention to the fact that twinkling can also originate from intestinal gas.

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Anechoic changes of ureter Renal colic Kidney stones, blood clots and papillary necrosis during passage are the most important causes for a renal colic. They provoke urinary obstruction and an expansion of ureter, renal pelvis and calyces. In many cases, the cause for urinary obstruction can be depicted by ultrasound. With typical renal colic, the existence of kidney stones can be proved with over 90% sensitivity. Doing this, the phenomenon of twinkling is very useful, because tiny stones in the progression of the ureter are otherwise very difficult to depict [Figure 122]. It is convenient to start examining in a prone position to scan the first few centimeters up to the iliac and then proceed to the prevesical spaces as well as the space at the crossing with the large vessels. The stone is often found due to the twinkling artifact and it is only afterwards, that the typical hyperechoic reflex gets represented, sometimes showing a very fine acoustic shadow or none at all.

Figure 122 Hydroureter with stone and twinkling artifact.

Differential diagnosis renal colic If a fresh embolism is suspected , it is sensible to immediately proceed to using CEUS. The clinic resembles a renal colic. In case of a corresponding anamnesis (fresh atrial fibrillation, morbus embolicus) fresh embolism can be proved using CEUS and fibrinolytic therapy could be immediately started.

Painless (chronic) urinary obstruction with hydroureter Next to acute renal colic there are other conditions showing gradual narrowing of the ureter drains with both chronic inflammatory ureter modifications (ureter tuberculosis) and ureter tumours. Another cause of gradual expansion can be very large fibroids, exercising outside pressure on the ureter. Tumours lying retroperitoneal can slowly lead to an obstruction of the ureter. As all these conditions proceed slowly, the hydroureter occurs mostly painless. In most cases, it is discovered accidentally during systematic abdominal examinations.

Vesicoureteral reflux This is a malformation of the vesicoureteral transition with refluxing ureter. In cases of higher grade reflux not only the terminal but the whole of the ureter shows dilated.

The diagnosis of vesicoureteral reflux is particularly important in children with

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recurrent urinary tract infections. Next to the method of voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) with the disadvantage of radiation exposure, sonographic voiding cystourethrogram (SVCUG) with echo contrast agents has today become one possible method. So far it is only carried out in a small number of clinics, but it should spread in time. Both sensitivity and specificity of this examination method is at least as precise as the radiologic method of VCUG. Hypoechoic ureter changes An expanded ureter can show anechoic with strong purulent infections. This case is called a pyoureter, in which ureter catheters in the ureter can be followed as hypoechoic formations. Urothelial carcinoma can also be identified as hypoechoic and obstructive formations in the ureter [Figure 123].

Figure 123 Urothelial carcinoma of the ureter.

Hyperechoic ureter changes Ureter stones The most important hyperechoic changes in the ureter are ureter stones. The procedure of following the outgoing ureter in a prone and back position while crossing the pelvic vessels as well as the retrograde following of the ureter from ureteral orifice back to the crossing with the pelvis vessels has ben already described. With dilated ureters, the search is being carried out along the visible anechoic ureter. In case of unclear visibility, it is recommended to directly use CDUS for twinkling with high PRF setting and gain setting just below the artifact limit.

Whether twinkling comes out or not is not dependant on the composition of the stones, but obviously there is a correlation with the surface of reflection. It has been determined during examinations that the same, freely floating stone in the bladder can show a very strong twinkling artifact once and then a very weak one or none at all â&#x20AC;&#x201C; depending on the position of the stone or the radiating Doppler signal, respectively.

Twinkling is being produced in more than 80% of ureteral stones, which is of great diagnostic significance [Figure 122]. However, twinkling artifacts are nonspecific.

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Papillary necrosis Papillary necrosis has a triangular form and is calcified only partially. The distinction from a stone can succeed with B-mode. Twinkling caused by intestinal gas has to be distinguished from stones and past papillary necrosis.

Urinary jet The diagnosis of urinary tract obstructions can be quite demanding â&#x20AC;&#x201C; smaller kidney stones cause partial cases of only discrete obstruction and no differences of RI, so further diagnostic methods are helpful. Urinary jet forms a phenomenon of stream in urine into the bladder. With normal drinking habits of approximately 2-3 litres a day, an occurrence of approximately two urinary jets/minute or ten urinary jets during five minutes has been observed, on both sides [Figure 124]. A jet asymmetry is defined by â&#x2030;¤ 2 jets / 5min on the ill side and â&#x2030;Ľ 10 jets / 5min on the other side. Next to the number of jets, the quality of jets can also be assessed. A spectral analysis can give results on both maximal velocity Vmax and duration of the jets in sec. With ureters that are not completely obstructed, jets appear to run slower and to last longer, while shorter jets are observed from time to time.

Figure 124 Urinary jet.

Summary of ureter colic diagnosis With ureter colic, a systematic procedure is recommended. First, the patient is examined in prone position, assessing both collecting system and the outgoing ureters. In case of a successful verification of a stone in the area of the renal pelvis or calyx and therefore verification of the ureter stone as a cause of renal colic, the situation is under control. With a dilated ureter though and without any verification of a stone up to the iliac, a further examination takes place, while the patient is lying on his/her back. Here, the pelvic vessels are visited and the dilatation of the ureter is controlled. The twinkling artifact of the stone, often placed just before the crossing, is searched for using CDUS. If this location does not show any direct results, the terminal ureter is examined retrograde back from the bladder. As a rule, this is done without CDUS in case of dilated ureters and using CDUS with rather slim ureters.

With an adequate examination technique, the verification of a stone is successful in over 80% of all cases. The twinkling artifact is depicted often beforehand and it is

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then only later on, that a representation of the kidney stone is possible. Next to this direct verification of a stone, there are also some indirect signs for ureter stones: • • • •

non-glomerular hematuria congestion of urinary tract, requiring minimal ureteral dilatation of ≥ 5 mm at 2 cm from the pyeloureteral transition ∆ RI ≥ 0,10 (higher on the affected side) asymmetry of urinary jets (< 2 on affected side and > 10 on contralateral side in 5 minutes).

A combination of these indirect signs (2 of 4) define a probable stone. An appropriate examination technique can hereby help to reduce the number of stone clarifications carried out by the means of computer tomography, a very effective method holding the strenuous disadvantage of radiation exposure.

Lower urinary tract Topography The urinary bladder and urethra are parts of the lower urinary tract. The urinary bladder is located intra abdominal, sheltered within the bony pelvis. Traumatic bladder lesions are most often found only in polytraumatic patients with associated pelvis fractures. The bladder is anchored to the anterior abdominal wall by the obliterated urachus. The bladder neck is fixed by the pelvis fascia. Against the pelvic side walls it is cushioned by perivesical fat within the retropubic space of Retzius.

The pelvic floor muscles caudally to the bladder are important for the urine continence especially in females. Only a part of the bladder is retroperitoneal [Figure 125].

Figure 125 Topography of bladder.

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The bladder dome has a direct neighbourhood to the abdominal cavity. This fact plays an important clinical role in iatrogenic perforations during transurethral operations (TUR-B) or by insertion of suprapubic cystostomy tubes. In males the bladder base has a relation to the prostate, the seminal vesicles, the ampullae of the vas deferens and the rectum [Figure 107]. In females the posterior bladder wall has a relation to the vagina, the uterus and the adnexa.

Anatomy The function of the bladder is urine storage and emptying. A normal bladder capacity is approximately 500 ml. The bladder is composed of contractible smooth muscle layers (detrusor vesicae), an outer adventitia and lined by an inner mucosal layer (urothelium). The triangle between the two ureteral orifices and the urethral meatus at the bladder neck is called trigone of the bladder [Figure 126].

Figure 126 Trigone of the bladder (3D technique).

The bladder blood supply runs within the lateral and posterior bladder pedicles.

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Figure 127 Meatus internus and urethra of men.

Examination Technique The urinary bladder can be scanned most easily by an external suprapubic abdominal approach with a convex 2.5 to 5 MHz probe, as most doctors have such abdominal probes in their standard equipment. The patient is therefore examined in supine position with a bladder filling of 200 to 300 ml. If it is necessary to have more detailed information of the bladder roof, linear probes with higher frequencies (7.5 to 16 MHz) can be used. The bladder floor and the distal and intramural part of the ureter can be visualised more accurately with a higher frequency endosonographic probe transrectally in men and transvaginally in women. Asin other organs the bladder should be carefully scanned in transverse and longitudinal sections. [VIDEO 1-2]. A transurethral approach into the bladder with high frequency miniprobes for bladder cancer staging purposes is not yet a standard examination.

Normal findings When filled with urine the bladder content should be anechoic. Within the anechoic urine often reverberation artifacts can be seen [Figure 128].

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Figure 128 Reverberation artifacts behind bladder wall (arrows).

The bladder wall appears as a three layer structure [Figure 129].

Figure 129 Bladder wall with tree layer structure.

The detrusor muscle is of medium homogeneous echogenicity. The outer serosa (adventitia) layer and the inner mucosa (urothelial) layer are hyperechoic compared with the middle detrusor smooth muscle (muscularis propria) layer. The thickness of the bladder wall depends on the filled state. If the bladder is full, the thickness decreases to about 2 to 3 mm. A normal bladder wall, when filled, should have a plain appearance without any contour irregularity [Figure 130].

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Figure 130 Suprapubic abdominal ultrasound examination of the bladder. The bladder of this young man is partly filled with 257 ml of clear urine.

The bladder content in a healthy bladder should appear anechoic.

VIP: very important pathologies Bladder outlet obstruction Bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) is the most common reason for diffuse morphological and physiological bladder changes. Subvesical obstruction has a different aetiology. The most frequent reason in males is benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). BOO leads to lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), infections and bladder stones due to post void residual urine. The interindividual difference subjective estimates of the bothering symptoms of LUTS can documented with the IPSS (International Prostate Symptom Score). In the beginning of BOO the detrusor smooth muscle compensates for the increasing subvesical resistance with detrusor hypertrophy, resulting in higher intravesical voiding pressure. The morphological expression of this compensatory up regulation against subvesical resistance is increase in muscle mass (muscle hypertrophy) and collagen deposition, resulting in detrusor trabeculations and pseudo diverticula formation. In this early stage (BPH stage 1) the high pressure situation results in clinical irritative voiding symptoms like frequency, urgency until urge incontinence (overactive bladder symptoms (OAB)) due to low bladder compliance with small capacity because of collagen deposition and overactivity. The collagen accumulation in high pressure voiding bladders may be a result of poorer blood supply and poorer oxygenation because of high intramural tension. Later, depending of the severity of the subvesical obstruction the detrusor smooth muscle may decompensate (BPH stage 2) by losing contractility, resulting in a large capacity floppy bladder with high postvoid residual urine volumes. Clinical symptoms are nycturia, acute urinary retention or urinary overflow incontinence. But the clinical fate of the bladder compliance changes during BOO is variable and yet not totally understood. But it is important to know that most of the bothersome symptoms of BOO are manly caused by the bladder.

The sonographic evaluation of BOO consists in evaluation of bladder wall, shape and content.

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The bladder wall Detrusor hypertrophy results in a thickening of the bladder wall (bladder wall thickness, BWT) and in augmentation of the bladder wall mass (BWM). The BWT can be measured directly with ultrasound, measuring the anterior bladder wall transabdominal which is best with a 7.5 MHz probe (or the posterior wall with a TRUS probe) on a defined bladder filling of 100 to 300 ml [Figure 131,132].

Unobstructed normal BWT was found in 3.0 Âą 1.1 mm. A strong correlation between BOO and a BWT of > 5 mm at 150 ml was demonstrated. The problem with BWT measurement is that the bladder wall thickness is volume dependent.

The gold standard for exact evaluation of the bladder contractility and BOO is still an invasive and expensive urodynamic pressure-flow study.

Figure 131 Bladder wall thickness (BWT) 6.2 - 10.9 mm in a man with BPH stage 2 with post void residual urine of 60 ml. BPH with prostate volume of 70 ml and median lobe hyperplasia. TRUS biopsy showed could exclude malignancy by elevated PSA. BWT of > 5 mm counts for BOO despite the measurement after voiding and not with a standardized filling of 150 ml.

Figure 132 Bladder wall thickness (BWT) measured on the anterior bladder wall with a linear probe 6.5 MHz in a man with BPH and BOO.

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The bladder shape The bladder adapting mechanism to compensate in chronic BOO is bladder muscle hyperplasia. The morphologic changes are diffuse trabeculation of the detrusor muscle and formation of diffuse so called pseudo diverticula. A primary, congenital diverticulum of the bladder is a malformation of the bladder muscle layer with absent detrusor muscle and extravesical protuberance of mucosa layer. They are located often behind the prostate on the bladder floor and are commonly not associated with generalized bladder wall thickening. In contrast pseudodiverticula are a diffuse secondary bladder reaction in BOO. Pseudodiverticula are secondary acquired pulsion diverticulaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and often have a narrow neck.

Figure 133 Typical aspect of trabeculation of the detrusor muscle (3DUltrasoud) in a patient with BPH and BOO. The hypertrophy of the detrusor muscle results in a thickening of the bladder wall and formation of muscle trabeculation as morphologic sign of high pressure voiding.

Figure 134 Typical sonographic aspect of trabeculation and diffuse formation of pseudodiverticula in a patient with BPH and BOO. During high pressure voiding of the bladder the thinner mucosa and flattened muscle layer is protruded outside between the hypertrophic tracecula.

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The bladder content Bladder volume The bladder volume can be calculated by using the ellipsoid formula (Volume = height x width x depth x Ď&#x20AC;/6). The bladder will be scanned transverse and longitudinal. The largest height and depth should be taken from longitudinal cut and largest width from transverse cut [Figure 135,136,137]. Bladder volume calculation has the limitation that the bladder is never a totally sphere body. Therefore volume calculations must allow some measurement errors. Ultrasound bladder volume measurement is clinically important defining the post void residual urine in patients with bladder voiding disorders especially BOO. If residual volume is calculated, also volume before voiding should be registered. By initial volume of 100 ml, residual volume should be zero, by 200-300 ml below 50 ml and by over 400 ml below 120 ml. Also measurement in twice different days brings more diagnostic clarity. The differential diagnosis of overflow incontinence is easy done with bladder ultrasound, detecting an over distended bladder.

Figure 135 Measurement of post void residual urine (= 153 ml) with the ellipsoid formula (69.9 mm x 61.2 mm x 68.3 mm x 0.52 = 153 ml) in a 72 year old man with BPH stage 2. See the bladder thickened wall with trabeculation.

Figure 136 Measurement of post void residual urine in a young man. The normal bladder is empty after voiding (< 1ml)

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Figure 137 Overflow incontinence with over distended bladder. Residual urine measured by ultrasound as 1049 ml. After catheterisation 1500 ml could be evacuated. Cave: In high bladder volumes ultrasound volume calculation is underestimated.

Echogenicity Normal urine appears anechoic. In patients with chronic bladder infection the bladder content appears cloudy by reflecting parts as leucocytes and proteins [Figure138].

Figure 138 Chronic bacterial bladder infections (?) in a female patient with post void residual urine of 139 ml. The urine appears cloudy due to chronic infection.

Focal Bladder Disease Detection and characterisation of focal bladder lesions About 95 % of all focal bladder-wall lesions represent transitional cell cancers (TCC).

Most of them are found during examination of painless macroscopic hematuria or chronic microscopic hematuria. Whereas big carcinomas are detected easily by ultrasound, there are some pitfalls in diagnosing bladder cancer with ultrasound: A primary condition is a filled bladder, as TCC hide in empty bladders. Small TCC, < 5 mm, are rarely seen with ultrasound. About 10% of ultrasound diagnosed â&#x20AC;&#x153;TCCâ&#x20AC;? are false positive due to bladder-wall trabeculation, a prominent inter ureterial crest, calculi, hematoma or focal cystitis. Color Doppler ultrasound is not always helpful in

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differentiation between coagula and bladder tumours, since color Doppler signals in tumours are often not present as in hematoma. Contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) has a better accuracy in this differentiation [Figure 139-?].

This is the reason why bladder ultrasound is not recommended to exclude TCC in hematuria. All sonographically suspicious focal bladder lesions should be examined with careful cystoscopy. Even virtual cystoscopy with CT is an inadequate tool to detect TCC because flat tumours (carcinoma in situ, pTis) are not detected.

Focal bladder wall lesions Bladder tumours Over 90% of all tumours of the bladder are transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). The incidence increases with age and is more often found in patients of 65 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 70 years old. Cigarette smokers have a fourfold higher risk to get a TCC. Rare entities are squamous cell carcinoma (incidence 1%), adenocarcinoma (<2%) and urachal carcinoma. TCC has a multicentric origin and is believed as a molecular misprogramme of the urothelium with high recurrence rates at different times and different sites (multifocal). Systemic cancer disease with lymphatic spread and metastases turn out when TCC invades the bladder muscle layer (>= cT2).

Figure 139 Sonograhic appearance of a papillary TCC in a man with obstructive BPH and macrohematuria. Note the non anechoic urine due to hematuria and the thickened bladder wall.

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Figure 140 Solitary focal bladder wall lesion. Sonographically highly suspicious for TCC. Cystoscopy reveals a blood coagulum adhering to the wall. False positive ultrasound diagnosis.

Figure 141 Colour Doppler in bladder ultrasound: If perfusion within the tumour can be detected diagnosis of this focal tumour on the bladder-neck in a female is manifest. Note the extended local bladder wall thickening.

Figure 142 Contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) has a better sensitivity to detect low blood flow within a suspicious focal bladder lesion and to establish a reliable diagnosis of a TCC. Red curve: TCC, yellow: bladder wall.

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Extravesicale Bladder Infiltration (pT4 Prostate cancer) Ultrasound alone cannot discriminate between primary bladder tumour (TCC) and tumours of other origin infiltrating the bladder wall. Classically it is a pT4 prostate cancer, infiltrating the posterior bladder wall and often obstructing the distal ureter, resulting in hydronephrosis.

Pseudotumours If ultrasound of the bladder is not properly done, prostate enlargement with middle lobe hyperplasia may fake a focal TCC especially in cases with gross hematuria. A prominent inter-ureteral crest, bladder folds or bladder trabeculation especially in not properly filled bladders may also mimic TCC in ultrasound examination [Figure 143].

Figure 143 A 73 year old patient with painless macrohematuria. Suprapubic ultrasound is faking a big solitary spherical bladder tumour caused by a large median lobe of prostatic hypertrophy.

Endometriosis of the bladder Endometriosis is caused by extra uterine spread of endometrial cells. These cells stay under the influence of female hormones during the menstrual cycle and may therefore cause pelvic pain during menstruation. If the bladder is affected by endometriosis there is typically urinary urgency, frequency and painful voiding worsened during menstruation.

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Figure 144 Young woman with infertility, menstrual cycle depended dysuria and urgency. Bladder ultrasound shows parauterine fluid accumulation with involvement of the bladder wall. Diagnosis of endometriosis of the bladder was confirmed by cystoscopy and histological transurethral bladder biopsy.

Diverticulum Primary bladder diverticula are not common (incidence 1.7%) and are a congenital malformation. A bladder diverticulum is a herniation of bladder mucosa through the bladder wall. Large diverticula can act as a paradox reservoir during bladder voiding.

Post void residual urine and urine stasis can result in chronic urinary tract infection, stone formation and malignant urothelial transformation (TCC). Therefore diverticula, especially those with a narrow neck, should be examined carefully during cystoscopy [Figure 145].

Figure 145 Solitary primary bladder diverticulum behind the enlarged prostate with middle lobe hyperplasia. Note the narrow neck of the diverticulum (4.4 mm).

Endovesical intraluminal content (filling defects or intravesical masses) Beside the investigation of the bladder wall and the bladder shape, ultrasound examination of the bladder content can provide good diagnostic information about bladder diseases.

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Bladder stones Bladder calculi are the secondary result of chronic lower urinary tract infections most often due to incomplete voiding because of BOO or hypo-contractible bladders.

Ultrasound can demonstrate stones by a typical stone shadow behind the hyperechoic stone. Sometimes it is adequate to move the patient from standard supine position to a lateral position to identify mobile bladder stones.

Figure 146 Bladder calculus in a male with BOO. The twinkling artefact is not really producible because of the even surface of calcium phosphate stone. The proof of calculus is the shadow casting behind the stone.

Only minimal twinkling artefact can be demonstrated, because of the relative plain surface of stones. (See Fig. 147 below).

Figure 147 Cystoscopy in the same patient as Fig. 146. Two big round stones with plain surface can be seen inside the bladder.

Blood clot As a complication after transurethral bladder (TUR-B) or transurethral prostate operation (TUR-P) postoperative bleeding may be present especially if the patients are under platelet aggregation inhibitor therapy (e.g. aspirin). Heavier bleeding may result in a blood clot, bladder tamponade and painful acute urinary retention, which is a urological emergency case. In this condition bladder ultrasound leads to a fast diagnosis and often gives the correct indication for a reinvention.

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Figure 148 Bladder ultrasound presents a large coagulated hematoma in this patient postoperatively.

Ureterocele Ureteroceles are ureteral anomalies appearing as cystic dilatation of the terminal ureter. They occur four times more in females. Only 10 % are bilateral. We can discriminate between orthotropic intravesical- and ectopic ureteroceles not draining to the bladder. The later often cause incontinence or poor bladder voiding. Stasis of urine in the obstructed system often cause chronic infection and lead to secondary stone formation. Ureter anomalies often are concomitant with kidney malformation.

The Meyer-Weigert rule, describing complete ureteral duplication, states that the lower kidney pole ureter orifice inside the bladder is more cranial and lateral compared to the more caudo-medial ostium of the upper pole kidney system. Using ultrasound more routinely in paediatric patients ureteroceles are already diagnosed pre- or postnatal. One method of treatment for obstructed ureteroceles is transurethral incision.

Figure 149 Intravesical saccular outpouching of the distal Ureter inside the bladder lumen with ureteral obstruction, hydroureter and stone formation.

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Recommended reading • • • • •

Tuma J, Trinkler F, Záťura F, Nováková B: Genitourinary ultrasound. In: Dietrich CF. EFSUMB Course Book on Ultrasound, London 2012, pp 275-339.

Trinkler F: Ultrasound of the Bladder. In: Dietrich CF. EFSUMB Course Book on Ultrasound, London 2012, pp 275-339.

Nürnberg D, Szebeni A, Záťura F: Ultrasound of the Adrenal Glands In: Dietrich CF. EFSUMB Course Book on Ultrasound, London 2012, pp 351-378.

EFSUMB Cases of the Month (www.efsumb.org).

Piscaglia F, Nolsoe C, Dietrich CF, Cosgrove DO, Gilja OH, Bachmann NM et al.

The EFSUMB Guidelines and Recommendations on the Clinical Practice of Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS): Update 2012 on non-hepatic applications. Ultraschall Med 2012;33:33-59.

Figures, Illustrations All Illustrations were made by Tomas Brader, Zürich. Some of them were published by courtesy of publisher in: Tuma J, Trinkler, F: Sonographische Differentialdiagnose - Krankheiten des Urogenitalsystems. Deutsche Ärzte Verlag Köln 2009 Some figures were published by courtesy of publisher in: Tuma J, Trinkler, F: Sonographische Differentialdiagnose - Krankheiten des Urogenitalsystems.

Deutsche Ärzte Verlag Köln 2009