title: Medullary sponge kidney.
abstract: "Medullary sponge kidney" applies to pathologically dilated collecting tubules within one or more renal pyramids of one or both kidneys, almost always diagnosed radiographically, of uncertain etiology, and presenting a clinical spectrum varying from an asymptomatic, incidental finding to severely complicating calcareous-infective disease, renal insufficiency, and death. Recognition of the characteristic urographic pattern affords the patient presenting clinically with hematuria, ureteral colic, urinary tract infection, or nephrocalcinosis a prompt diagnosis with a frequently benign prognosis, and usually averts more extensive or invasive investigations.
mesh_terms: D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007669:Kidney Calculi / Q000209:etiology; D007677:Kidney Function Tests; D007679:Kidney Medulla / Q000473:pathology; D007691:Medullary Sponge Kidney / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy; D009393:Nephritis / Q000209:etiology; D009397:Nephrocalcinosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014552:Urinary Tract Infections / Q000209:etiology; D014567:Urography / Q000379:methods