[Differential sonographic diagnosis in kidney failure. Uremia caused by tumor infiltration of both kidneys in malignant lymphoma].

Ultrasonography is in general an ideal addition to radiodiagnostic methods in diseases of the kidneys. In renal failure ultrasonography is an excellent independent diagnostic method, which can give good informations about the form, size and internal structure of the kidneys. The different causes of renal failure can be clarified. The typical sonographic patterns as in endstage kidneys, hydronephrosis, cystic dysplasia, acute and subacute glomerulonephritis are well known. A rare cause for renal failure is massive cellular infiltration of both kidneys in malignant systemic diseases of the lymphoreticular system. The sonographic picture of this condition is largely unknown and therefore two cases are demonstrated, which show considerable enlarged kidneys with a diminished irregular internal echo pattern.