Sonographic Findings in Gouty Nephropathy

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Ultrasound(US) findings of hyperechoic renal medulla in gouty nephropathy were compared with clinical features such as serum uric acid level to evaluate its usefulness in determination of the treatment and prognosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of US of 36 cases of gouty arthritis was classified into four groups according to the medullary echogenicity (Onormal, grade 1renal medulla as isoechoic as renal cortex, grade 2'heterogeneous increased echogenicity of renal medulla than that of renal cortex, grade 3the echogenicity of all renal medulla higher than that of renal cortex with renal contour deformity) which were compared with the serum urate level and associated conditions. Nephrocalcinosis and nephrolithiasis were analyzed through the KUB and the RGP. RESULTS: The degree of hyperechoic renal medulla was related to the level of serum uric acid, and in group IV, six cases of obstructive uropathy (nephrocalcinosis and nephrolithiasis) showed deformed renal contour. Associated conditions such as hypertension, alcoholism, diabetes mellitus and drug abuse were distributed in relation to the degree of hyperechoic renal medullas. CONCLUSION: US findings of hyperechoic renal medulla was related with uric acid level in gouty nephropathy and thus could be valuable for treatment decision and prediction of prognosis.