The role of ultrasonography in the evaluation of renal pathologies

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the role of USG in the diagnosis of renal pathologies, including renal calculi, hydronephrosis, renal cysts, and pyelonephritis. Materials and Methods: This study was designed as a cross-sectional study, and patients undergoing renal ultrasonography were screened for enrolment using inclusion and exclusion criteria. The demographics of the patients, along with the finding were tabulated. The prevalence and distribution of different renal conditions were analyzed, along with the severity of abnormalities such as hydronephrosis and renal calculi. Results: A total of 40 patients were enrolled in this study, of which 24 (60%) were male, and 16 (40%) were female. The most affected age group was 21–40 years (40%). The most common presenting complaints were flank pain (55%), dysuria (47.5%), hematuria (50%), and anuria and hypertension (37.5% each). The most frequently detected pathology was renal calculi (87.5%), followed by renal cysts (35%), hydronephrosis (32.5%), and pyelonephritis (7.5%). Hydronephrosis severity was classified as mild (69.23%), moderate (23.08%), and severe (7.69%). The most common site for renal calculi was the lower calyx (37.14%), followed by the middle calyx (28.57%), pelvis (14.29%), upper calyx (11.43%), and minor calyx (8.57%). Conclusion: This study highlights the effectiveness of USG in diagnosing renal pathologies, particularly in detecting urinary calculi and hydronephrosis. USG provides essential diagnostic insights into disease severity, localization, and progression, making it a valuable tool for guiding clinical management and treatment strategies.