[Hyperechogenicity of the renal medulla in children: clinico-echographic correlations].

Increased renal medullary echogenicity by renal ultrasound associated with hypercalciuria and nephrocalcinosis is often present in childhood. 17 children, 9 boys and 8 girls, aged from 8 months to 10 years were classified into three groups based on ultrasound findings according to Patriquin and Robitaille: type A faint hyperechogenic rim around the sides and tip of the medullary pyramid; type B more intense echogenic rim of the pyramids; type C intense echoes throughout the pyramid. Clinic-echographic correlations showed a pattern C in 4 children with distal renal tubular acidosis and in an infant treated with furosemide; pattern B in 3 patients having different types of tubulopathy associated with hypercalciuria; pattern A in 6 children with congenital tubulopathy and in 3 children treated with vitamin D. Abdominal X-rays detected medullary calcinosis in 2 (11.7%) of total 17 patients. Ultrasonography appears to be an important tool in early diagnosis of renal medullary nephrocalcinosis.