Ultrasound image of kidney cysts

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Resident Doctor Nguyen Van Anh - Radiologist - Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Nuclear Medicine - Vinmec Times City International General Hospital.

Kidney cyst is a not so rare disease, caused by many causes. Renal cysts can be complicated by infection, bleeding in the cyst, rupture of the cyst, compressing the kidney causing hydronephrosis, high blood pressure... Diagnosis and early detection of the disease through ultrasound of the kidney cyst will facilitate treatment. disease quickly and effectively.

1.1 What is a renal cyst? Each person has 2 bean-shaped kidneys located on 2 sides. The kidneys are made up of about 1 million kidney units, which play a role in maintaining electrolyte balance in the body, assisting in the elimination of some toxins from the body through urine excretion. Each renal unit has a function of filtering, reabsorption and excretion of urine into the renal pelvis. From the renal pelvis, urine will flow down the ureter, down the bladder and be excreted.
Currently, there are many theories about kidney cysts. Some authors believe that the cyst formation is caused by the inflammatory process, kidney stones, fibrosis, ... causing some kidney units to be blocked, urine is stagnant, forming a water-filled sac called a cyst. kidney . In addition, it is also hypothesized that cysts form from a weak point on the wall of the renal units, under the long-term pressure of urine flow, cysts (diverticulum-like) are formed, containing fluid inside.
Renal cysts are usually round, clear and do not communicate with the renal calyces. Renal cystic disease is common in people over 50 years old, the incidence of kidney cysts increases with age. In addition, kidney cysts can still be found in children or newborns (congenital cystic disease). The cases of kidney cysts are mostly benign, only discovered by chance during medical examination.
1.2 Classification of renal cysts There are 3 types of kidney cysts:
Isolated kidney cyst: It is a common disease in patients over 50 years old. Isolated kidney cysts are uncomplicated, few symptoms, when small cysts often have no symptoms, when larger cysts can cause pain and tenderness in the side. Isolated renal cysts can be detected by ultrasound or CT scan. With small cysts less than 6cm in size, without causing complications, there is no need for intervention. With cysts over 6cm in size, surgery is recommended because it puts pressure on the renal parenchyma and can affect kidney function. Small cysts that cause complications of cyst infection, intracystic bleeding, but not improved by medical treatment and repeated many times, can consider surgical intervention. Polycystic kidney: Obstruction of more renal units than solitary renal cyst. Treatment of polycystic kidney may include ultrasound-guided cyst aspiration and sclerotherapy, open cystectomy, and laparoscopic apical cystectomy. Laparoscopic surgery has many advantages including small incision, less pain, quick recovery, and short hospital stay. Polycystic kidney disease: Due to dominant inheritance, there are many cysts in both kidneys, and need to be followed up by ultrasound every 6 months. If the kidney cyst causes pain or infection, it needs intervention. Cysts larger than 6cm require surgery to avoid pressing on neighboring renal units.

1.3 Symptoms of people with kidney cysts Kidney cysts have very few symptoms. Mainly:
Small kidney cysts: No symptoms; Larger kidney cysts: Causes urination disorders (including painful urination, urinary frequency, hematuria), flank pain (due to large cysts pressing on the renal pelvis) and fever, chills (if cyst infection is present). If the kidney cyst presses on the renal artery, it can cause high blood pressure. Renal cysts can lead to complications of infected cysts, pus accumulation, stones in the cysts, malignant cysts or too large cysts causing compression, even rupture of cysts.

To diagnose kidney cysts, there are many methods performed such as: Ultrasound, CT-scan, in addition there are additional tests such as urinalysis, blood count test, kidney function test, etc. ... In which, ultrasound to detect the position and size of kidney cysts is the method widely applied today because of its convenience, speed and economy.
2.1 What is a renal ultrasound? Renal ultrasound is one of the imaging methods that uses high-frequency ultrasound waves (beyond the hearing threshold of the human ear) to create images of the structure and size of the kidney and from there. Renal pathology can be seen. Early diagnosis of kidney diseases (such as kidney cysts) will help the doctor prescribe appropriate treatment and improve the effectiveness of treatment. This is a non-invasive method, safe for the health of the patient.
Normal kidney on ultrasound has bean shape, umbilicus on medial surface, and renal margins are regular. The two kidneys will have the same size, but the two sides have a slight difference. When kidney ultrasound does not show the ureter, if it is, it means the ureter is dilated or abnormal.

2.2 Imaging of renal cysts on ultrasound Ultrasound of renal cysts is mainly diagnosed by ultrasound of the urinary system. Ultrasound helps the doctor assess the number, size, and wall of the kidney cyst.
Normal kidney image:
Normal kidney is bean-shaped, the hilum is on the inner surface, the renal margins are even. The two kidneys are similar in size, but the two sides have slight differences. Ultrasound showed no ureter. If found, it is due to a malformation or dilated ureter. Renal pathology:
Diffuse kidney disease: Often seen as an increase or decrease in size, the border of renal parenchyma and renal calyces is not clear, the renal parenchyma is more echogenic than normal... Renal pathology Localization: Renal fluid retention; kidney stones, kidney abscess, hematoma around the kidney......

There is currently no specific preventive measure for cystic kidney disease. When detecting the disease, patients should not be too worried because through ultrasound the doctor can know what type of kidney cyst. With solitary cysts, small size, about 6 months should be checked once, combined with drinking about 2 liters of water/day, reasonable rest and abstain from alcohol, beer, tobacco,...
Besides , should avoid excessive exercise or trauma to the abdomen in cases of large cysts to avoid the risk of cyst rupture or infection of the kidney cyst. In addition, good control of blood pressure, protection of kidney function, prevention of urinary infections, ... are also important notes to effectively prevent kidney cysts.
Kidney cyst is a disease that has no specific symptoms but can cause serious complications. When detecting the disease, patients need to be examined and monitored regularly to avoid unpredictable consequences.

When detecting that your body has the above symptoms, you need to quickly find a reputable medical facility for ultrasound to get the most accurate conclusion. Vinmec International General Hospital is one of the prestigious addresses trusted by many people.
Here, a team of highly qualified and experienced specialists, ultrasound and diagnosis are therefore very accurate. Modern ultrasound equipment is invested and imported abroad, bringing clear and quality images. Moreover, the medical environment is spacious, sterile, up to standards and economical in ultrasound costs, bringing satisfaction to patients.
The number of people suffering from kidney and urinary tract diseases is increasing day by day. To detect kidney-related diseases, ultrasound is an effective method. Renal ultrasound is used to determine the location, structure, size, shape, and relationship of the kidney to other organs.