Академический Документы
Профессиональный Документы
Культура Документы
Introduction
Ultrasound is an excellent imaging modality to evaluate the urinary tract. With ultrasonographic examination the entire urinary tract can be evaluated at one time and usually without the aid of anesthesia. The kidneys can be imaged using a 5.0-megahertz transducer; however, for small dogs and cats, a 7.5megahertz transducer is ideal.
Renal Abnormalities
As with other organs, diseases of the kidneys are usually divided into focal and diffuse. The table 1K lists examples of ultrasonographic changes in the kidney with possible causes.
Diseases
Renal cysts Polycystic renal disease Lymphosarcoma Renal infarcts Infection Nephrolithiasis Renal calculi Lymphosarcoma Hematomas Abscesses Neoplasia Pyelonephritis Hydronephrosis Diuresis Renal dysplasia Neoplasia End-stage renal disease Perinephrotic cyst Perirenal hemorrhage Extravasation of urine
Increased echogenecity
Prostate Abnormalities
Most of the disease processes involving the prostate gland result in enlargement of the prostate gland. Prostatic cysts appear as anechoic regions within the prostate gland with acoustic enhancement and can be of various sizes. Prostatic cysts (Fig 15K) must be separated from prostatic abscesses (Fig 16K). Prostatic abscesses usually contain echogenic material and are surrounded by a capsule. Periprostatic cysts are also associated with the prostate gland. Prostatic cysts or periprostatic cysts may be congenital or develop secondary prostatic hypertrophy or squamous metaplasia. Benign prostatic hyperplasia or prostatic infections can have a very similar appearance. Benign prostate hyperplasia and infection usually result in generalized enlargement of the prostate gland. Scattered hyperechoic foci and small cysts can be associated with prostatic hyperplasia; however, with prostatic inflammation, the parenchyma is usually heterogeneous with a mixed pattern of echogenicity. The prostate gland may become hypoechoic with infection. Mineralization is not usually associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia; however, with infection, hyperechoic areas secondary to fibrosis, gas or mineralization can be visualized. The prostatic capsule usually remains intact with both benign hyperplasia and infection. With prostatic neoplasia, the prostatic parenchyma has no specific ultrasonographic changes to differentiate neoplasia from infection or hyperplasia. Hyperechoic areas can be present throughout the parenchyma suggesting mineralization; however, caviar or cyst-like lesions can also be present. Differentiation of benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, or prostatic adenocarcinoma can be difficult based on the ultrasonographic appearance. A biopsy of the prostate gland may be necessary to establish a definitive diagnosis. With prostatic neoplasia, evaluation of the sublumbar lymph nodes for changes to suggest metastasis is recommended.