Q:
What is renal sinus lipomatosis?
A:
Renal sinus lipomatosis (RSL) is an asymptomatic proliferation of fat in the renal sinuses along with aging process , caused by renal calculi. In fact, RSL is a relatively uncommon condition, the more common kidney disease is Renal replacement lipomatosis (RRL), which represents the extreme form of RLS.
Symptoms
Unfortunately, RSL rarely leads to symptoms or renal impairment
Causes
There are several factors that are considered as causes of RSL but without definite evidence so far, such as:
- Obesity;
- Renal parenchymal atrophy;
- Urinary stones;
- Calculous disease;
- Chronic pyelonephritis;
- Hypertension;
- Aging or exogenous or endogenous steroids.
Diagnosis
Ultrasound, Computed Tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are considered as the mainly diagnostic modality for RSL.
Ultrasound can show the enlarged echogenic central sinuses, and CT or MRI are useful for confirming pure fat content.
Treatments
Steroid treatment is the preferred therapy option for treating patients with RSL.
If have any further questions, please go to see your doctor.
Key words: Renal sinus lipomatosis (RSL); renal calculi; Renal replacement lipomatosis (RRL); Steroid treatment.
