Ultrasonography of Acute Renal Infection

Acute renal infection includes acute pyelonephritis, renal abscess, perirenal abscess, pyonephrosis, infected renal cyst. type Ⅱemphysematous pyelonephritis (or so railed gas-containing renal or perirenal abscesses, gas-pyelogram) and type Ⅰor classic emphysematous pyelonephritis. Although computed tomography is currently the best diagnostic modality in detecting the presence and extent of the lesions of acute renal infection, ultrasonography has its significant role due to its advantages of lower cost, multiplanar capability bedside availability ad relative safety in scanning In this article the spectrum of sonographic findings of acute renal infection is reviewed, and the various confusing terminologies used to describe acute pyelonephritis and gas-producing bacterial renal infection are clarified.