Bubble-like readings in kidney ultrasound

[chronostorm]

Hi everyone, I'm new here, so please deal with me.

I have a grandpa who lives halfway across the world who recently got a kidney ultrasound. My uncle called my father and my father told me that there were bubble-like objects inside the kidney in the ultrasound. We're all really worried and I would like to know what may cause these kinds of readings. Thanks so much for any help you can give.

[Dr Smitha Mathews]

Hi,
Why was your grandpa advised the ultrasound?

The bubbles seen could be cysts in the kidney.

"These are the main causes of kidney cysts:-

    * Normal - Cysts may be found in normal kidneys (up to 5 cysts per kidney).
    * Medullary sponge kidney - Very small cysts are found in both kidneys, and there can be kidney infections, small kidney stones and kidney pain. Medullary sponge kidney does not usually lead to kidney failure.
    * Medullary cystic kidney (sometimes called Nephronophthisis) - Very small cysts are found in both kidneys, and kidney failure may develop, requiring dialysis treatment.
    * Infantile (or recessive) polycystic kidney disease - There are hundreds of cysts in each kidney, and this condition is found in childhood. Click here for more information.
    * Adult Polycystic Kidney Disease - There there are hundreds of cysts in each kidney: this condition is usually found in adults. Click here for more information."

www.kidney.org.uk/Medical-Info/kidney-disease/cysts.html

Cysts are accompanied by symptoms, such as lower back pain, blood in urine, etc.

Whether cysts can eventually end in renal failure depends on the type of disease causing the cysts.

Your grandpa needs a good nephrologist who can prescribe further course of action.

Do keep us posted on your doubts and progress.
regards