Pyelonephritis is a severe bacterial infection of the kidneys, often originating from a lower urinary tract infection that ascends to the renal parenchyma. In abdominal ultrasound, it typically presents with findings such as renal enlargement, hypoechoic areas, loss of corticomedullary differentiation, and possible abscess formation. Early detection via abdominal ultrasound is crucial for guiding timely antibiotic therapy and preventing chronic kidney damage or sepsis.
For medical professionals, recognizing the sonographic signs of pyelonephritis in abdominal imaging is key for accurate diagnosis and patient management. Ultrasound offers a non-invasive, radiation-free method to assess kidney involvement, identify complications, and monitor treatment response, making it an indispensable tool in diagnosing acute pyelonephritis and its abdominal manifestations.