Gray-scale sonographic characterization of aminoglycoside-induced nephrotoxicosis in a canine model.
OBJECTIVE
The diagnostic usefulness of gray-scale sonography was evaluated in a canine model of aminoglycoside-induced nephrotoxicosis.


METHODS
Sonography was performed before and during the onset and progression of nephrotoxicosis induced by administration of a toxic dosage of gentamicin. Subjective visualization of increased renal cortex echogenicity (IRCE) was objectified with digital image analysis methods. Results of both subjective and objective evaluation were correlated with clinicopathologic tests and renal cortex biopsy obtained concurrently.


RESULTS
Subjective visualization of IRCE was associated with significant nephrotoxicosis and was superior to serum creatinine elevation in nephrotoxicity detection. Objective detection of IRCE improved nephrotoxicity detection sensitivity to that of increased urine enzymuria.


CONCLUSIONS
Based on the above results, subjective visualization of IRCE in patients with aminoglycoside-induced nephrotoxicity may occur before azotemia and is suggestive of significant renal dysfunction; application of digital image analysis methods may lead to earlier sonographic recognition of nephrotoxicity.
Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St Paul, USA. wjr@vet.purdue.edu
B J
BJ
Rivers
P A
PA
Walter
J C
JC
Holm
J G
JG
Letourneau
D E
DE
Finlay
E R
ER
Ritenour
V L
VL
King
T D
TD
O'Brien
D J
DJ
Polzin
D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001706:Biopsy; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D005839:Gentamicins / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007672:Kidney Cortex / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D007683:Kidney Tubular Necrosis, Acute / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014463:Ultrasonography
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D005839:Gentamicins