Renal Carbuncle: The Use of Ultrasound in its Diagnosis and Treatment

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Abstract
The use of ultrasound in the diagnostic and therapeutic management of 5 patients with [bacterial] renal abscesses is described. A spectrum of ultrasonic findings was noted, with the majority of the lesions being anechoic (3 cases). A few lesions showed a mixed pattern (2 cases). Ultrasonic aspiration of abscess fluid for culture and sensitivity obviated an operation in 1 case. For the first time, ultrasonically guided, percutaneous, indwelling catheter drainage of a renal carbuncle is reported. Since the patient failed to respond to systemic antibiotic therapy, this technique saved the patient from undergoing an operation. The clinical and ultrasonic findings in the 6 previous case reports of abscesses are reviewed.