Ultrasound findings

[Butchga62]

I got results. My right kidney is showing mild cordial atrophy. It said it was thinning. I have no idea what this means. But it does explain swelling of feet and my chronic itching. Does this mean I have kidney disease? Will see him next week.

[Marvin8]

If a doctor puts a diagnosis of "kidney disease" on the test order form, by gosh the radiologist is gonna find kidney disease on that ultrasound. I had my doctor put "kidney stones" on my last ultrasound instead, and by gosh they found "questionable renal calculi" (which turned out to be nothing) and not a single word about kidney disease, small kidneys, echogenicity....nothing. Do not take ultrasounds as the gospel. Lots of different variables come into play for a proper diagnosis of kidney disease.

[Butchga62 in reply to Marvin8]

Thank u I am new to this. I think I’m just scared and don’t know who to trust. I know my feet swell and I know I eat way to much sugar and probably salt. I am one who does not just salt food, but I’m sure I am picking it up different ways. I am wary of doctors so I don’t know who to trust but I am going to try and not put to much stock into this ultrasound. Thank u so much.

[RickHow]

Normally, kidneys are about the size of a fist or 10 to 12 cm (about 5 inches). Kidney atrophy means that the kidney is smaller than normal. This can happen for two basic reasons. The first is that part of the kidney does not develop from birth (called a congenital problem) making a small kidney. This type of kidney atrophy or small kidney usually does not need any special treatment. The second type happens after birth, which can occur in one or both kidneys. This type of kidney atrophy is due to a lower blood supply to the kidney(s)and/or loss of nephrons, the basic working units of the kidneys. Chronic infections or blockage of the kidney can also result in kidney atrophy. A kidney that is smaller in size can lead to kidney disease.In your case it was told to be MILD. As is said above a smaller kidney in size CAN lead to kidney disease but in itself does NOT mean you have CKD. As Marvin wrote what radiologists write in a report is NOT always gospel. When I was diagnosed with kidney cancer I had a full body (neck to pelvis) CT scan. First word on the report was patient has a mastectomy on left side. HUH??? I'm a male!!! Another time I had an ultrasound of my kidney (I have only one). The radiologist wrote that there wase Cortical scarring on the outside of the kidney. Of course reading that I was worried. But when I met with the doctor he said basically hey your are 72 years old, or course your kidney has some scarring. Ignore it.

Lastly, you are making a false assumption that because this radiologist reports MILD atrophy in one of your kidneys...just one...that this explains your swelling in feet. I do not see how the two are related at all.

[Marvin8 in reply to RickHow]

Awesome response. My kidneys are slightly small....one is the low 9cm range and one in the high 9cm range. Sort of no-man's land. Could be congenital, could be nothing at all, could be very mild ckd, etc. Sometimes they're just guessing. I've now see two nephrologists who don't want to do a biopsy.

[Butchga62 in reply to RickHow]

I appreciate all advise. At this point I have no idea what to think but hopefully the ultrasound is nothing to be upset about. My feet and ankles on the other hand have me baffled. But perhaps they will find the right meds. Who knows.