Chronic renal failure is associated with which ultrasound finding?

Chronic renal failure is associated with which ultrasound finding?

• A. Irreversible
• B. Reversible
• C. Small, echogenic kidneys
• D. Loss of corticomedullary junction

Answer: (D)

Chronic kidney disease causes long-standing parenchymal damage with fibrous replacement, which alters the normal ultrasound appearance. The most telling sign is loss of corticomedullary differentiation: the interface between the cortex and medulla becomes indistinct due to chronic interstitial fibrosis and scarring. As damage progresses, the kidneys also tend to become smaller and more echogenic, but the blurring of the corticomedullary junction specifically reflects chronic parenchymal disease. The other options describe clinical states or non-sonographic descriptors, not the actual ultrasound finding.

Chronic kidney disease causes long-standing parenchymal damage with fibrous replacement, which alters the normal ultrasound appearance. The most telling sign is loss of corticomedullary differentiation: the interface between the cortex and medulla becomes indistinct due to chronic interstitial fibrosis and scarring. As damage progresses, the kidneys also tend to become smaller and more echogenic, but the blurring of the corticomedullary junction specifically reflects chronic parenchymal disease. The other options describe clinical states or non-sonographic descriptors, not the actual ultrasound finding.