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Dysplastic Kidney

Frank H Miller, MD
Faye C Laing, MD

June 8, 1994

Presentation

This 1987 case is a follow-up examination of a fetus whose initial ultrasound examination showed a dilated left renal pelvis (arrows).

Imaging Findings

Initial Ultrasound
Follow-up Examination

Follow-up ultrasound examination shows the presence of multiple noncommunicating cysts (arrows) of different sizes within an enlarged left kidney (noted by marked areas).

Diagnosis

Left multicystic dysplastic kidney

Discussion

Multicystic dysplastic kidney is usually a unilateral anomaly that involves the entire kidney. It results from atresia of the ureteral bud system at the level of the upper ureter. In unusual cases, it is focal or bilateral. Bilateral disease is incompatible with life. In 20-45% of cases, renal anomalies (most often ureteropelvic junction obstruction) occur in the contralateral kidney. The prognosis depends primarily on the status of the opposite kidney. Multicystic dysplastic kidney is the most common neonatal renal mass.

Ultrasound findings consist of cysts of variable size and shape with minimal to absent renal parenchyma. In contrast to hydronephrosis, the cysts do not intercommunicate and the renal contour is typically distorted.

References

1. Hashimoto BE, Filly RA, Callen PW. Multicystic dysplastic kidney in utero: Changing appearance in US. Radiology 1986;159:107-109.

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