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Medullary nephrocalcinosis and renal calculi

Case contributed by Bruno Di Muzio
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Right flank and lumbar area pain .

Patient Data

Age: 25 years
Gender: Female

Ultrasound

ultrasound

Increased echogenicity of the pyramid and renal calculi in the right kidney (Portuguese: "Rim Direito").

Case Discussion

Ultrasound demonstrates hyperechogenic foci with posterior acoustic shadowing consistent with renal calculi. The pyramids are diffusely echogenic, but without shadowing, suggestive of medullary nephrocalcinosis. Although nephrocalcinosis may eventually progress to involve most of the pyramid, acoustic shadowing is rarely seen even in this situation.

Acoustic shadowing may be appreciated only in rare cases of extreme involvement of the pyramids or if there is the development of associated calculi in the adjacent calices, like in this case.

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