Contrast enhanced ultrasound for the diagnosis of bilateral renal lymphangiectasia: literature review and contrast enhanced ultrasound findings

Abstract

Renal lymphangiectasia (RLmp) is a rare benign lymphatic malformation which should be distinguished from other more common pathologies. Ultrasound (US) examination can define the first diagnostic suspicion, but the definitive diagnosis is usually reached with a second level imaging such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We herein describe for the first time in literature, the use of the contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in disclosing the nature of peri-renal anechoic lesions in a 27-years old woman, that were initially confused with parenchymal cysts at B-Mode US. The diagnosis of RLmp may be particularly demanding due to its rarity and different clinical presentations. We suggest a possible role of CEUS as a real time, cost saving and easily accessible second level diagnostic tool, that can represent an appealing alternative in the diagnostic work up of suspected RLmp, respect to other imaging modalities.

Keywords: CEUS; Lymphatic malformation; Renal lymphangiectasia.