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Renal Ultrasonography (renal + ultrasonography)

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Medical Sciences	100%

Selected Abstracts

Non-invasive Assessments of Pediatric Voiding Dysfunction

LUTS, Issue 2 2009
Shang-Jen CHANG
In the evaluation of pediatric dysfunction, the initial approach relies on non-invasive diagnostic tools. Through these examinations, the possible etiology of pediatric voiding dysfunction may be identified, and children who require further evaluation with invasive diagnostic tools may be differentiated. In addition, these non-invasive diagnostic tools can be used as surrogate parameters for follow-up of voiding function in children with neurogenic or non-neurogenic voiding dysfunction. Updated information and controversy on this issue are provided and discussed in the present review. Thorough and well-organized history taking and focused physical examination are essential. A 2-day bladder diary and a 14-daysbowel movement diary, at least, should be recorded. Dysfunctional voiding symptom scores have been recommended for identifying children with possible voiding dysfunction. Consensus on which scoring system is best for clinical practice has not been reached. Low inter-observer agreement in interpreting specific types of abnormal uroflow pattern and high inter-observer agreement in identifying "no abnormality" make uroflowmetry a first-line screening tool for pediatric voiding dysfunction. Optimal bladder capacity is paramount in the interpretation of uroflowmetry curves and postvoid residual urine (PVR). Voided volume <50 mL is not eligible, while bladder over-distention may result in an abnormal uroflow pattern and increased PVR volume. Renal ultrasonography has been recommended for the evaluation of children with enuresis. However, the gain achieved through routine renosonography may be small. Thickened bladder wall thickness warrants further investigation of voiding dysfunction. However, inter- and intra-examiner's variability does not yet make this examination popular. [source]

An epidemiological study of renal pathology in tuberous sclerosis complex

BJU INTERNATIONAL, Issue 6 2004
Finbar J. O'Callaghan
OBJECTIVES To report the frequency of renal symptoms and complications of patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), to describe the ultrasonographic appearance of the kidneys in a population-based sample, and to investigate the relationship between a history of renal haemorrhage and renal lesions identified by ultrasonography. PATIENTS AND METHODS As part of an epidemiological study, 179 patients with TSC were identified as living in the Wessex Region in the South of England. Patients were interviewed and examined in their homes, to elicit the presence of renal symptoms or a history of renal complications. Renal ultrasonography was used in consenting patients in their homes. RESULTS There was a history of renal complications in 16 (9%) patients; 149 consented to interview and examination, and 19 gave a history of renal symptoms in the previous year; 124 had renal ultrasonography; 86 (69%) had renal angiomyolipomas and 37 (30%) had renal cysts. Large lesions (>3 cm in diameter) were strongly associated with a history of symptomatic bleeding, although significant haemorrhage occurred in a 6-year-old child with small angiomyolipomas. CONCLUSIONS The formation of angiomyolipoma in TSC is common. Polycystic kidney disease, renal carcinoma and renal failure, although rare, occur in TSC. Most patients with angiomyolipomas have neither complications nor symptoms. There was no appreciable difference between the sexes in the risk of developing these lesions. Although less commonly seen in the very young, there is no identifiable relationship after adolescence between age and the risk of having a renal angiomyolipoma. Bleeding tends to occur from large lesions (>3 cm) but most such patients have remained asymptomatic to date. [source]

Is microscopic haematuria a urological emergency?

BJU INTERNATIONAL, Issue 4 2002
M.A. Khan
Objective ,To determine the prevalence of urological pathology in a retrospective and prospective study of patients with microscopic haematuria attending a haematuria clinic. Patients and methods ,Between January 1998 and May 2001, 781 patients attended the haematuria clinic; of these, 368 (47%; median age 60 years, range 18,90) had a history of microscopic haematuria, as detected by urine dipstick testing. These patients were investigated by urine culture and cytology, renal ultrasonography, intravenous urography (IVU), flexible cystoscopy, urea and electrolyte analysis, and assay of prostate specific antigen (PSA) where appropriate. Results ,Urine cytology showed no malignant cells in any patient with a history of microscopic haematuria. In 143 patients (39%), urine cytology showed no red blood cells and all other investigations were normal. Of the remaining 225 patients, IVU showed a tumour in one (bladder), renal stones in 15 and an enlarged prostate in two. Renal ultrasonography detected no additional pathology. Urine analysis showed one urinary tract infection. Flexible cystoscopy detected five patients with a bladder tumour (all G1pTa), two urethral strictures, five bladder stones and enlarged prostates, six enlarged prostates only, and nine red patches in the bladder, showing one patient with carcinoma in situ . No PSA levels were suggestive of prostate cancer. Conclusion ,Patients with dipstick-positive haematuria should be re-assessed by urine microscopy before referral. As only 1.4% of patients had a malignant pathology (all noninvasive), microscopic haematuria should be regarded as a separate entity from macroscopic haematuria, and such patients do not need to be referred urgently. [source]

Nocturia: An austrian study on the multifactorial etiology of this symptom,,

NEUROUROLOGY AND URODYNAMICS, Issue 5 2009
H. Christoph Klingler
Abstract Aims To identify the different factors contributing to nocturia in a clinical setting. Patients and Methods Three hundred twenty-four patients (133 women, 191 men; mean age 63 years) were entered into this multi-institutional study. When presenting with nocturia we obtained detailed medical history and performed urine analysis, post-void residual volume and renal ultrasonography. Bothersome score and quality of life were evaluated using visual analogue scale and Kings' Health Questionnaire (KHQ), respectively. Patients were asked to complete a 48-hr voiding diary (VD). Nocturia and its associated problems were evaluated using KHQ and VD in conjunction with concurrent health variables. Results Mean nocturia was 2.8 in men versus in 3.1 women. Fifty percent of patients were aged >65 years, 60% had daytime lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) as well as nocturia, 33% had cardiac pathologies and 7% had peripheral edema. Principal causes for nocturia were global polyuria in 17%, nocturnal polyuria (NP) in 33% and reduced functional capacity <250 ml in 16.2%; 21.2% had mixed forms of NP and reduced bladder capacity and 12.6% suffered from other causes. Mean bothersome score was higher in women (P,<,0.001) and in patients with NP (P,=,0.012). Quality of life was significantly lower in women (P,=,0.001), in patients aged >65 years (P,=,0.029) and in those with reduced functional capacity (P,<,0.001). Mean voided 24-hr urine was higher in women (P,=,0.033) and in patients aged <65 years (P,=,0.019). Conclusions Nocturia had a high impact on bothersome score, strong associations with poor health and other LUTS. NP was the predominant cause of nocturia. Neurourol. Urodynam. 28:427,431, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Clinical findings in congenital absence of the vasa deferentia

ANDROLOGIA, Issue 1 2000
Dr W.-H.
Summary. In a clinical study, 105 patients with congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD) and 18 with congenital unilateral absence of the vas deferens (CUAVD) were investigated. CUAVD was observed on the left side in 66%. Renal agenesis was more frequent in CUAVD (73.7%) than in CBAVD (11.8%). The leading signs of CBAVD are low pH level (average 6.5) and low volume of the ejaculate (average 0.95 ml). Testicular biopsies of 52 patients revealed normal spermatogenesis or hypospermatogenesis (33% in CBAVD; 45% in CUAVD). Genetic probing and counselling concerning cystic fibrosis are necessary if extracorporal microfertilization is considered. The absence of the vas deferens was often overlooked by the first investigator, the average time until correct diagnosis being 4.3 years. As artificial reproduction technology becomes more common, detection of vasal agenesis will certainly be made earlier and more frequently in the future. In order to assure compatibility of subsequent prospective studies about CBAVD and CUAVD, the following investigations are considered to be necessary: (i) semen analysis (pH, volume); (ii) renal ultrasonography or excretory urogram (screening for renal agenesis); (iii) genetic cystic fibrosis screening. [source]

Auscultation and echocardiographic findings in Bull Terriers with and without polycystic kidney disease

AUSTRALIAN VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue 5 2005
CA O'LEARY
Objective To investigate a possible association between Bull Terrier polycystic kidney disease (BTPKD) and cardiac disease, to determine the prevalence of mitral valve disease (MVD) and left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) in the Australian Bull Terrier population, and to compare auscultation and echocardiography in detection of cardiac disease in Bull Terriers. Design Ninety-nine Bull Terriers, ranging in age from 8 weeks to 13 years and 11 months were auscultated and examined using renal ultrasonography; 86 were also examined using echocardiography. The prevalence and severity of heart defects in dogs with BTPKD was compared with that in dogs without BTPKD. Results Nineteen of these 99 dogs were diagnosed with BTPKD. Forty-two percent of Bull Terriers with BTPKD and 28% of those without BTPKD had murmurs characteristic of mitral regurgitation or LVOTO. How recently an animal was descended from an ancestor with BTPKD was associated with presence (P = 0.008) and loudness of a murmur (P = 0.009). Overall, echocardiography detected MVD in 39% of Bull Terriers, with increased prevalence in older animals (P = 0.003). Mitral stenosis was found in eight cases. Fifty-three percent of dogs in this study had evidence of LVOTO, with obstruction consisting of a complex of lesions including dynamic or fixed subvalvular LVOTO, significantly narrowed left ventricular outflow tract or valvular aortic stenosis. Dogs with BTPKD, or those descended from dogs with BTPKD, were more likely to have MVD (P = 0.006), and while LVOTO was not more common in these dogs, if they did have LVOTO, they were more likely to have severe obstruction than dogs with no ancestors with BTPKD (analysed in three ways P = 0.028 to 0.001). In this study, 46% of Bull Terriers without a murmur or arrhythmia had cardiac disease detected on echocardiographic examination. Conclusion Cardiac disease, especially MVD and LVOTO, was common in Bull Terriers in this study, and those with BTPKD had an increased risk of cardiac abnormalities. Auscultation did not detect a significant number of Bull Terriers with cardiac disease. [source]

Kidneys from patients with small renal tumours: a novel source of kidneys for transplantation

BJU INTERNATIONAL, Issue 2 2008
David L. Nicol
OBJECTIVE To report the use of a novel donor source as a further option to increase the number of patients who might be able to receive a renal transplant. PATIENTS AND METHODS Between May 1996 and July 2007, 43 kidneys were transplanted using kidneys obtained from patients with small (<3 cm diameter) incidentally detected tumours. After bench surgery to excise the tumour, they were all successfully transplanted into patients who were elderly or had significant comorbidities. RESULTS Apart from four patients who died from unrelated illnesses, all grafts continued to function with a median and mean follow-up of 25 and 32 months. The follow-up, which included 3-monthly renal ultrasonography and chest X-rays, showed only one case of tumour recurrence, which occurred 9 years after transplantation; the patient remains stable under observation after 18 months. CONCLUSIONS From our experience we consider that where nephrectomy is used for small, localized, incidentally detected renal tumours, the kidney should be considered for transplantation into carefully selected patients. Such patients with numerous medical comorbidities might benefit from renal transplantation, but not survive the waiting period if they are dependent on a deceased donor graft. Paradoxically the use of these marginal kidneys has the potential to increase the quality and length of life of these patients, despite the apparent contradiction of an intuitive principle of organ transplantation and immunosuppression. [source]

Outcomes using a fourth-generation lithotripter: a new benchmark for comparison?

BJU INTERNATIONAL, Issue 6 2007
Michael S. Nomikos
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of a fourth-generation lithotripter, the Sonolith Vision (Technomed Medical Systems, Vaulx-en-Velin, France) for treating single previously untreated renal calculi, and to compare the results with the reference standard HM-3 (Dornier MedTech Europe GmbH, Wessling, Germany) in the same population originally studied by the USA Cooperative Study Group in 1986. PATIENTS AND METHODS The Sonolith Vision uses an innovative electroconductive shock-wave generator with an elliptical reflector specially designed to give the maximum concentration of energy on the stone. We reviewed the treatment sessions from our prospectively maintained database of the first 1000 consecutive patients with urinary stone disease who were treated with the Sonolith Vision between September 2004 and March 2006. Patients with previously untreated solitary renal calculi in anatomically normal kidneys were included. The outcome was assessed by plain films for radio-opaque stones, and renal ultrasonography for radiolucent stones, at 1 and 3 months after lithotripsy; the results were analysed according to stone size and location. RESULTS Data from 309 patients who had a complete follow-up and with 373 renal calculi that matched the above criteria were analysed. The initial fragmentation rate was 94%. The stone-free rate for stones of <10 mm was 77%, for 11,20 mm was 69% and for >20 mm was 50%. The overall stone-free rate 3 months after lithotripsy was 75%. Within a month of lithotripsy, 221 patients (59%) became stone-free. Additional procedures to render patients stone-free after lithotripsy were needed in only 22 cases (7%). The overall efficiency quotient was 62%. The stone-free rates for lower, upper, middle calyceal and renal pelvic calculi were 74%, 70%, 78.5% and 75%, respectively. There were no serious complications. CONCLUSIONS When similar populations of stone formers were assessed the Sonolith Vision achieved a high success rate, comparable with that using the HM-3 machine but with lower analgesia requirements and very low re-treatment rates. This method of comparison belies the commonly held view that newer lithotripters are less effective than the original spark-gap machines. [source]

The change in renal function in the supranormal hydronephrotic kidney after pyeloplasty

BJU INTERNATIONAL, Issue 6 2007
Cheryn Song
OBJECTIVE To investigate changes in the differential renal function (DRF) before and after pyeloplasty in renal units with unilateral pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction (PUJO) with supranormal function, and to evaluate the clinical significance. PATIENTS AND METHODS We reviewed the medical and radiographic records of 29 children (26 boys and three girls) with unilateral PUJO with a DRF (estimated by 99mTc-mercaptoacetyltriglycine renal scintigraphy) of ,,50% in the affected renal unit, who had pyeloplasty and were followed for >1 year after surgery. Patients were divided into two groups according to the degree of change in their DRF to compare the clinical variables, anteroposterior pelvic diameter and parenchymal thickness measured by renal ultrasonography. The mean (range) follow-up after pyeloplasty was 35 (12,89) months. RESULTS After pyeloplasty, although the mean DRF reduced from 53.8% to 51.4%, in seven (24%) patients the DRF decreased significantly (>5%) while most (76%) showed a change of ,,5% of the preoperative function, or further improvement. In the seven patients with a DRF of ,,55% before surgery, the DRF afterward was >55% in four and 50,55% in one. Between those with and with no significant reduction in DRF, only the preoperative renal parenchymal thickness differed significantly (2.78 vs 5.00 mm, P = 0.006). CONCLUSION Supranormal DRF exists and represents the true split function of the affected renal unit in patients with adequate renal parenchyma; these units maintained the supranormal function after pyeloplasty. Parenchymal thickness might be useful to differentiate between the true and false estimates and predict surgical outcome before surgery. [source]

Parenchymal imaging adds diagnostic utility in evaluating haematuria

BJU INTERNATIONAL, Issue 1 2005
Jay S. Belani
OBJECTIVE To compare the findings of renal ultrasonography (US) in the evaluation of patients with and with no haematuria. The increased use of cross-sectional imaging and US has led to a dramatic improvement in the diagnosis of renal masses, such that computed tomography and/or US have been integrated into the diagnostic evaluation of haematuria, and many more incidental renal lesions are now detected. Thus it is possible that the lesions identified during evaluation for haematuria are incidental, i.e. identified serendipitously, and unrelated to the haematuria. PATIENTS AND METHODS We retrospectively compared the US findings obtained from 301 patients referred for new-onset haematuria to those obtained from 600 patients being evaluated for other than urological reasons. All imaging and patient charts were reviewed to verify the clinical and radiological data. RESULTS Haematuria was associated with all renal abnormalities, with an odds ratio (OR, 95% confidence interval) of 4.7 (3.6,7.3). Importantly, haematuria was associated with a renal mass, with an OR of 6.7 (2.8,16.3). Subset analysis revealed that patients with macroscopic and microscopic haematuria had significantly more renal abnormalities (OR 4.7, 2.7,8.2, and 5.3, 3.2,8.8, respectively) and renal masses (OR 7.3, 2.7,20.3, and 6.5, 2.3,18.6, respectively) than controls. CONCLUSIONS Both macroscopic and microscopic haematuria are associated with a greater risk of identifying renal lesions. This supports the conclusion that the renal lesions identified with modern imaging techniques during the evaluation of both microscopic and macroscopic haematuria are not serendipitous. [source]

An epidemiological study of renal pathology in tuberous sclerosis complex

A multi-institutional studyof orthotopic neobladders: functional results in men and women

BJU INTERNATIONAL, Issue 6 2004
R. Carrion
Multi-institutional studies are extremely valuable whena new surgical technique is being introduced. The Confederationof American Urology conducted such a study into the functional results inmales and females of the orthotopic bladder. In a series of 138patients they found many interesting outcomes, which they presenthere. Authors from Sheffield describe their experience in developing tissue-engineeredbuccal mucosa for use in urethral reconstruction. They describetheir technique and report the successful culture of full-thicknessbuccal mucosa, which they found to be robust and safe for clinicaluse. OBJECTIVES To analyse the incidence of diurnal incontinence (DI) and nocturnalincontinence (NI), the need for intermittent catheterization (IC),and the rate of ureteric obstruction (UO) among a group of men andwomen with ileal and colonic orthotopic neobladders in four countries. PATIENTS AND METHODS In all, 138 patients (113 men and 25 women) had an orthotopicneobladder constructed after radical cystectomy for carcinoma. The mean(range) age was 61.3 (28,76) years and thefollow-up 41 (6,144) months. All patients underwentsurgery by experienced surgeons associated with the Confederationof American Urology. A retrospective evaluation was designed toreview the functional results and the incidence of UO. The techniqueof orthotopic neobladder construction was at each surgeon's discretion. Various detubularized bowelsegments were used, including ileum, colon or sigmoid. Patients werefollowed by chart reviews and personal interviews at 1, 3 and 6 monthsafter surgery and then every 6 months, and were evaluated bya physical examination, urine analysis, cytology and renal ultrasonography. RESULTS An ileal or colonic neobladder was constructed in 74 and 64 patients, respectively. Five (7%), 23 (31%), 10 (14%) and 14(9.6%) with an ileal neobladder developed DI, NI, IC andUO, respectively; the respective values for patients with a colonicneobladder were eight (12%), 19 (30%), seven (11%)and 15 (12%). Statistical analysis by Fisher'sexact test showed no significant differences between the ileal andcolonic neobladder groups or with gender. CONCLUSIONS Using this specific protocol for evaluating many men and womenwith ileal and colonic orthotopic neobladders showed no significant differencesin the incidence of DI, NI, IC or UO. Neobladders constructed fromdetubularized bowel, irrespective of bowel segment(s) used, canprovide satisfactory diurnal results. A moderate incidence of NIand UO continue to be a problem. [source]

Is the conservative management of chronic retention in men ever justified?

BJU INTERNATIONAL, Issue 6 2003
T.S. Bates
OBJECTIVE To assess the outcome of men presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with large postvoid residual urine volumes (PVR). PATIENTS AND METHODS The study included men presenting with LUTS and a PVR of >,250 mL who, because of significant comorbidity, a low symptom score or patient request, were managed conservatively and prospectively, and were followed with symptom assessment, serum creatinine levels, flow rates and renal ultrasonography. Patients were actively managed if there was a history of previous outflow tract surgery, prostate cancer, urethral strictures, neuropathy, elevated creatinine or hydronephrosis. In all, 93 men (mean age 70 years, range 40,84) with a median (range) PVR of 363 mL (250,700) were included in the study and followed for 5 (3,10) years. At presentation, the median maximum flow rate was 10.2 (3,30) mL/s and the voided volume 316 (89,714) mL. RESULTS The measured PVR remained stable in 47 (51%), reduced in 27 (29%) and increased in 19 (20%) patients; 31 patients (33%) went on to transurethral resection of the prostate after a median of 30 (10,120) months, because of serum creatinine elevation (two), acute retention (seven), increasing PVR (eight) and worsening symptoms (14). Of 31 patients 25 were available for evaluation after surgery; their median PVR was 159 (0,1000) mL, flow rate 18.4 (4,37) mL/s and voided volume 321 (90,653) mL. Symptoms were improved in all but five men. There was no difference in initial flow rate, voided volume or PVR between those who developed complications or went on to surgery and those who did not. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) occurred in five patients and two developed bladder stones. CONCLUSIONS Complications such as renal failure, acute retention and UTIs are uncommon in men with large, chronic PVRs. Conservative management for this group of patients is reasonable but outpatient review is prudent. There were no factors that could be used to predict those patients who eventually required surgery. [source]