ABSTRACT
Renal parenchymal malakoplakia is usually described as a multi- or unifocal process. We report an unusual case presenting with unilateral diffuse renal enlargement consistent with an early stage in the evolution of this disease.
Subject(s)
Kidney Diseases/diagnosis , Malacoplakia/diagnosis , Adult , Diagnosis, Differential , Female , Humans , Kidney/diagnostic imaging , Kidney/pathology , Kidney Diseases/pathology , Malacoplakia/pathology , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , UltrasonographyABSTRACT
Radiographic contrast agents using gadolinium have a better safety profile and photoelectric effect than iodinated contrast, allowing use where iodinated contrast is contraindicated. A case of gadolinium-enhanced computed tomographic aortography (CTA) for suspected thoracic dissection is reported. Aortic enhancement was sufficient for confident exclusion of an intimal flap. The findings were later confirmed by MRI. Vascular enhancement diminished below the diaphragm and tissue enhancement was minimal. Gadolinium diethylenetriamine penta-acetic acid (Gd-DTPA) may be used for CTA of the thoracic aorta, where the use of iodinated contrast is contraindicated. Multi-slice CT may expand the role of gadolinium enhancement in the future.