Question

While performing an ultrasound examination, the sonographer finds that both kidneys measure 5 cm in length. They are very echogenic. One should consider the possibility of all of the following except:

a. chronic glomerulonephritis
b. chronic pyelonephritis
c. renal vasular disease
d. renal vein thrombosis

Answer 1

Small and echogenic kidneys found during an ultrasound can indicate chronic kidney diseases such as chronic glomerulonephritis or pyelonephritis, but not renal vein thrombosis, which usually presents with an enlarged kidney.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a sonographer finds that both kidneys measure 5 cm in length and are very echogenic during an ultrasound examination, it suggests the possibility of chronic kidney conditions. Normal kidneys typically range from 9 to 13 cm in diameter, hence kidneys measuring 5 cm are considerably smaller. Conditions that can lead to such a finding include chronic glomerulonephritis, chronic pyelonephritis, and renal vascular disease. However, renal vein thrombosis should not necessarily be considered, as it often presents with larger kidney size due to the obstruction of outflow, not a shrunken, echogenic kidney typically associated with chronic conditions.