Conditions our MRI scans have found

Angiomyolipoma (AML) is a benign (non-cancerous) tumor of the kidney that is composed of blood vessels, fat, and smooth muscle cells.  Symptoms from AMLs are rare but can include hematuria (blood in the urine), flank pain, hypertension, impairment of kidney function, and can lead to life-threatening rupture.

Hydronephrosis is the swelling (fullness) of a kidney due to the build-up of urine. It happens when urine cannot drain properly from the kidney to the bladder due to a blockage or obstruction. The condition can occur in one or both kidneys.

Cysts are fluid-filled sacs or pockets that can form in various parts of the body. Most cysts present little or no discomfort and are harmless. The majority disappear without treatment within a few months.  Sometimes these cysts can contain thicker fluid, known as proteinaceous material.

Sometimes the salts and minerals in the urine can crystalize and form kidney stones. A calyceal stone is a kidney stone found in the renal calyces, cavities in which urine collects before it flows into the urinary bladder.

Kidney cysts are common findings of small fluid sacs.  Simple cysts are commonly observed in normal kidneys, with an increasing incidence as individuals age. They are benign (non-cancerous) lesions that do not cause symptoms and rarely require treatment. Typically, only one cyst occurs on the surface of a kidney, but multiple cysts can affect one or both kidneys.

Kidney cysts are common findings of small fluid sacs. Complex kidney cysts can have internal walls (septations) and/or thickened walls, solid components (nodularity), or debris containing fluid. The primary clinical concern is accurately distinguishing simple renal cysts from complex renal cysts that are associated with an increased risk of malignancy (cancer).