Should I be worried? Cortical Thinning, Nep... - Kidney Disease

Kidney Disease

12,449 members5,135 posts

Should I be worried? Cortical Thinning, Nephrocalcinosis, Possible Small kidneys.

Vicksburg91 profile image
7 Replies

Hello all! I am a 26 year old male being treated for Carcinoid Cancer. Ended up in the ER with vomitting and blood in urine. A renal ultrasound showed my right kidney was 8.6 cm in length and left 9.4 cm in length. Cortical thickness was 6 mm. They mentioned that is small for male kidneys. Is this correct?

Also the ultrasound showed "Cortical thinning bilaterally with prominent echogenicity in the renal medulla

bilaterally. This would suggest the possibility of early or developing medullary

nephrocalcinosis. Clinical correlation is advised."

The ER wasnt much help in explaining- other than that I should followup with my doctors. I do have stomach issues and pain in my back off and on. Should I be concerned about these ultrasound results? Any ideas about what this all means?

Written by
Vicksburg91 profile image
Vicksburg91
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
7 Replies
LJMusgrove profile image
LJMusgrove

Sorry to hear about your health concerns. I can't help with that sorry. I am new to all of this myself. I have been doing all of my research online because I found out more that way. I live in Australia so a bit different as well. I hope someone will come forward with a helpful reply soon ! Leonie

YollyD_NKF profile image
YollyD_NKF

Cortical thinning means the kidney has been scarred and the amount of functioning tissue has decreased. We would strongly recommend that you get tested and check your kidney function GFR/ACR. You can learn more about GFR by visiting: kidney.org/atoz/content/gfr

LorrieC profile image
LorrieC

Vic,

I had the same diagnosis in 2016 after having an US for my gallbladder. "Cortical thinning and increased cortical echogenicity suggestive of underlying medical renal disease. There is no evidence of right sided hydronephrosis." My dr. made light of it for my creatinine was within range and my GFR was above 60. Now, the creatinine is above normal limits and my GFR ranges from 49 to 59 since the first of the year. I am wondering if I have the same problem with my left kidney. The report did not reveal any measurements.

Bevvzy profile image
Bevvzy in reply toLorrieC

An egfr of 90 is considered normal , UNLESS you have other signs of probable kidney disease eg cortical thinning, shrinkage etc. In that case, even 70-90, is considered stage one. With no other signs 90 is normal. An egfr of between 49 to 59 is classed as stage 2 kidney disease. There are 4 stages BUT, progress can take years. Remember to.that egfr snd creatinine tests are not always asccurate and a one off decline could simply be due to inafequate fluid intake that day. Some do not make referrals to a nephroligist until egfr 30 . My referal was early and was at 45egfr because of the very l

Rapid and steady decline ie not a one off. It dropped from the mid 70s, with bilateral cortical thinning and and shrinkage , to only 45 in just over 12 months. But has since r er m a ined steady. However just in the last r weeks my urine has gone from blood staining to a constant now very dark brown and output has halved quite suddenly. So.likely time to.go.back

LorrieC profile image
LorrieC in reply toBevvzy

Since my last post, I had ultrasounds of both kidneys. Nothing was mentioned about cortical thinning and my kidneys were of normal size. Perhaps the second radiologist saw the cortical thinning, but did not mention it in the report.

renfrowalicia33 profile image
renfrowalicia33

chronic cortical thinning of the lower pole laterally kidney what is that help

renfrowalicia33 profile image
renfrowalicia33

cortical chronic thinning of the lower pole does anyone know what this means

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Should I be concerned?

I have an ultrasound appointment on Friday but my blood serum creatinine was 1.1 and my GFR was 54...
Warrior42 profile image

First post, should I be worried?

Hi, My Efgr is 60, creatinine 86 (labs say normal up to 84), I’m in the UK and I’m 57. Microscopic...
Owlie profile image

Nephrologist Visit Today - Not Good

I went to the nephrologist and I do not know a thing. He would not comment about my prognosis until...
LorrieC profile image

Don't know what to do

Recently I went to dr for one health concern. Then discovered through incidental finding that: I...
Munyeca profile image

Well here we go .

A few weeks ago I started my CKD journey. Ringing in my ears brought me to my primary doc and...
c0wboy61 profile image

Moderation team

See all
PattyM_NKF profile image
PattyM_NKFModerator
DorisL_NKF profile image
DorisL_NKFModerator

Top community tags

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.