Sonography of infantile polycystic kidney disease

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Abstract
Seven children aged 1 day to 12 years with infantile polycystic kidney disease (IPCD) were evaluated by a new high-resolution real-time ultrasound scanner. Instead of the monotonous increased echogenicity of renal parenchyma seen with earlier ultrasound equipment, the echo texture of IPCD became more differentiated, showing disseminated tiny cysts associated with high-amplitude echoes. Even in the newborn, cysts as small as 2 mm in diameter could be detected. Analysis of the new sonographic features of IPCD reveals specific “pepper and salt” and “striped” patterns. In association with such well-known sonographic findings as bilateral enlarged kidneys and poor definition of renal sinus, medulla, and cortex, this pattern allows one to make the final diagnosis of IPCD.