CAUSES OF INCREASED RENAL MEDULLARY ECHOGENICITY IN TURKISH CHILDREN

The primary disorders of 50 children with increased renal medullary ec hogenicity on renal ultrasound were studied; 28 girls and 22 boys aged from 1 month to 16 years were classified into four groups based on un derlying disease and ultrasound findings. Group 1 was composed of 17 p atients with distal renal tubular acidosis (34%); intense echoes throu ghout the pyramid were predominant, Group 2 consisted of 14 patients w ith vitamin D toxicity (28%) and an intense echogenic rim around the p yramids. Group 3 included 10 patients with different types of tubulopa thies. A slight hyperechogenic rim around the sides and tip of the med ullary pyramids was detected. Group 4 was made up of 9 patients with r are underlying conditions. Abdominal X-rays detected medullary calcino sis in only 12 (24%) of the total 50 patients. Ultrasonography appears to be an important tool in the early diagnosis of increased renal med ullary echogenicity and medullary nephrocalcinosis.