Nephromegaly

Nephromegaly

Diagram illustrating the anatomy of the kidney, which can be affected in nephromegaly.

Nephromegaly is a medical condition characterized by the abnormal enlargement of one or both kidneys. This condition can be indicative of various underlying pathologies, ranging from benign to serious disorders. Understanding nephromegaly involves exploring its causes, symptoms, diagnostic methods, and potential treatments.

Causes

Nephromegaly can result from a variety of causes, including:

• Hydronephrosis: Swelling of a kidney due to a build-up of urine.
• Polycystic kidney disease: A genetic disorder characterized by the growth of numerous cysts in the kidneys.
• Renal tumors: Such as renal cell carcinoma or angiomyolipoma.
• Infections: Such as pyelonephritis, which can cause inflammation and swelling.
• Obstructive uropathy: Blockage of urine flow, leading to kidney enlargement.

Symptoms

The symptoms of nephromegaly can vary depending on the underlying cause but may include:

• Flank pain or discomfort
• Hematuria (blood in urine)
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Frequent urinary tract infections
• Palpable mass in the abdomen

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of nephromegaly typically involves:

• Ultrasound: To visualize the size and structure of the kidneys.
• CT scan: Provides detailed images of the kidneys and surrounding tissues.
• MRI: Offers high-resolution images to assess kidney enlargement.
• Blood tests: To evaluate kidney function and detect any abnormalities.
• Urinalysis: To check for signs of infection or other kidney issues.

Treatment

Treatment for nephromegaly depends on the underlying cause:

• For hydronephrosis, relieving the obstruction may involve surgical intervention.
• In cases of polycystic kidney disease, management focuses on controlling symptoms and complications.
• Antibiotics are used to treat infections like pyelonephritis.
• Surgical removal may be necessary for renal tumors.

Related pages

• Kidney disease
• Renal function
• Urology
• Nephrology