Question

The report states that “few glomeruli were evident.” What is the implication of this?

Radiology HISTORY: Severe chronic renal insufficiency and anemia. Etiology of nephrotic syndrome and renal insufficiency is unknown. FINDINGS: Patient was prepped and draped per protocol. Conscious sedation was achieved with Versed and fentanyl and 1% lidocaine was administered for local anesthesia. The inferior third of the left kidney was selected and confirmed with CT; with a 20-gauge needle multiple core biopsies were obtained. Few glomeruli were evident. The middle third of the left kidney was selected and CT confirmed; multiple biopsies were obtained. Finally, the superior third of the left kidney was selected and CT confirmed position; multiple biopsies were obtained with an 18-guage needle.

Specimens were sent to pathology. Post-procedure CT scan shows some mild bilateral retroperitoneal hemorrhage. The patient tolerated the procedure well. Jon Shire, MD Radiologist

Answer 1

Renal insufficiency means poor function of the kidneys which is due to decreased blood flow to the kidney. like we know glomerulus is the basic filtration unit of the kidney so if the glomeruli are not working wel, they would be few in number and that's the meaning of the statement, few glomeruli were evident.