Renal lymphagiectasia - an unusual mimicker of renal hydronephrosis
Journal
Journal of Morphological Sciences
Date Issued
2021-12
Author(s)
Zorica Tashkova
Njomza Arifi
Elizabeta Stojkovska Jovanovska
Vjolca Aliji
Abstract
Renal
lymphangiectasia is a rare malformation of the renal lymphatics
.
It
occurs in both children
and adults
and can
be unilateral or bilateral
with no
gender predilection.
It
is a condition characterized by
different degrees of dilatation of the lymphatic ducts
.
Because of the rarity, it can be easily
misdiagnosed
for other cystic masses, most commonly peripelvic cysts, renal cysts or hydronephrosis. Usually is
asymptomatic and incidental finding, but in severe cases can lead to hypertension and renal failure.
We
report
a case of
unilateral renal lymphangiectasia
in
adult male
patient
with
medical history o
f
hydronephrosis
and
characteristic radiologic CT findings
. From
imaging
methods,
we
conducted
u
ltrasound
(US),
contrast enhanced
c
ompute
d
t
omography (CT) and
CT
angiography
, because they
ha
ve
an important
role
as diagnostic procedures to
recognize
renal lymphangiectasia
.
Kidney cystic lesions revealed on ultrasound and confirmed on CT as hypodense intrarenal
multiloculated findings, as well
as fluid attenuation collections, not always go in favor of hydronephrosis
.
Knowledge of the radiological findings associated with renal lymphangiectasia can contribute to better
differentiation from other conditions and with the right diagnosis, successfu
l management and treatment
can be provided for the patient
.
lymphangiectasia is a rare malformation of the renal lymphatics
.
It
occurs in both children
and adults
and can
be unilateral or bilateral
with no
gender predilection.
It
is a condition characterized by
different degrees of dilatation of the lymphatic ducts
.
Because of the rarity, it can be easily
misdiagnosed
for other cystic masses, most commonly peripelvic cysts, renal cysts or hydronephrosis. Usually is
asymptomatic and incidental finding, but in severe cases can lead to hypertension and renal failure.
We
report
a case of
unilateral renal lymphangiectasia
in
adult male
patient
with
medical history o
f
hydronephrosis
and
characteristic radiologic CT findings
. From
imaging
methods,
we
conducted
u
ltrasound
(US),
contrast enhanced
c
ompute
d
t
omography (CT) and
CT
angiography
, because they
ha
ve
an important
role
as diagnostic procedures to
recognize
renal lymphangiectasia
.
Kidney cystic lesions revealed on ultrasound and confirmed on CT as hypodense intrarenal
multiloculated findings, as well
as fluid attenuation collections, not always go in favor of hydronephrosis
.
Knowledge of the radiological findings associated with renal lymphangiectasia can contribute to better
differentiation from other conditions and with the right diagnosis, successfu
l management and treatment
can be provided for the patient
.