Ultrasound shows increase in size of kidneys. Have UTI. Reason for increase in size?
Patient: Hi Doc, My dad was diagnosed with UTI and physician asked him to go for ultrasound . His ultrasound results shows that his Right kidney is 91*35mms and Left kidney is 97*40mms. The Report says there is an increase in size of kidneys. Hence the physician asked my dad to consult a Nephrologist . Could you please let me know what could be the cause for this increase in size? and is this increase is normal with age? Doctor: Hi, Thanks for query, You have not mention about corticomedullary difference ?is this maintained. Due to kidney diseases the kidney  shows enlargement in size but cortex & medula both enlarged or only single one is an important aspect.  A general rule is that small kidneys depict chronic renal disease and enlarged or at least normal sized kidneys depict acute and therefore potentially reversible disease.  A further distinguishing feature is parenchymal echogenicity. Diseased kidneys in general show increased echogenicity, however in the early stages echogenicity may still be normal. Increasing echogenicity is directly correlated to histopathological abnormality. acute obstructive disease ,acute pyelonephritis or renal failure may be the possibility. The S.creatinine level is a better tool to measure kidney function. Thanks.