Renal lobar dysmorphism: Ultrasound features

Renal pseudotumors defined as non neoplastic focal lesions which can imitate tumors in radiological methods. The presence of them is a consequence of disturbances in embryological development, most of them are without any clinical implication.

Renal lobar dysmorphism (hilar lips, RLD) is rarely recognized example of the pseudotumor. We present ultrasound features of this anatomical variant on the basis of our experiences. We analyzed ultrasound examinations from 01.2005 till 12.2006 performed in ultrasound unit of Pediatric Nephrology Department in Medical University of Gdansk. There were ten children with RLD in age 10 to 18 years old. In seven cases the RLD was noticed incidentally during abdomen examination. The remaining three children were sent to our ultrasound unit with tumor suspicion. All ultrasound examination were taken with high frequency probes: convex 3,5–7MHz and linear 8,2–11MHz, using also power and color doppler modalities. In all cases typical ultrasound features of the RLD were confirmed. Though this anatomical finding is without any negative implication, it is useful and important to know features of this anomaly. This knowledge shortens diagnostic process and let to avoid unnecessary stress for parents and children.