Causes of increased renal echogenicity in pediatric patients.

Review of 2,700 abdominal ultrasonic examinations revealed 56 patients whose kidneys showed increased echogenicity. Echogenic kidneys were associated with medical renal disease in 94% of cases (30% glomerular, 48% tubulointerstitial, 16% end-stage) and with no detectable renal disease in 6% (three patients). Patterns of increased echogenicity and renal size were evaluated. Specific patterns occurred in end-stage renal disease and polycystic kidney disease. Other medical renal diseases had overlapping ultrasonographic features. Some generalizations could be made although increased echogenicity was often nonspecific.