• Imaging and Classification of Congenital Cystic Renal Diseases

    AJR:198, May 2012

    Fred E. Avni Catherine Garel Marie Cassart Nicky D'Haene Michele Hall Michael Riccabona

    OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this clinical perspective is to describe a decision-tree approach to the finding of hyperechoic kidneys as signs of congenital renal cystic disease in fe­tuses and children. This approach takes into account the latest classification of inherited renal cystic diseases. The basis of the approach is a detailed sonographic analysis in addition to as­sessment of clinical data and the familial history.

    CONCLUSION. With the decision-tree approach, typical sonographic patterns can be described and used for accurate diagnosis of isolated renal cystic diseases and polymalforma-tive syndromes. In some cases, however, the diagnosis is not achieved, and complementary examinations are needed.