Multicystic dysplastic kidney ultrasound

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Ultrasound

MCDK is usually diagnosed by ultrasound examination before birth.

Mass of non-communicating cysts of variable size.
Unlike severe hydronephrosis, in which the largest cystic structure (the renal pelvis) lies in a central location and is surrounded by dilated calices, in multicystic dysplastic kidney the cyst distribution shows no recognizable pattern.
Dysplastic, echogenic parenchyma may be visible between the cysts, but no normal renal parenchyma is seen.

References

Ultrasound