A spotted nephrogram is a descriptive term indicating an appearance of patchy, segmental and subsegmental renal parenchymal enhancement.
Pathology
The pattern is indicative of focal areas of cortical ischemia or necrosis, as a result of small vessel occlusion. This abnormal perfusion pattern can be seen on angiography, as well as contrast enhanced CT and MR imaging.
Recognized causes include 3:
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renal vasculitis
necrotizing vasculitis (polyarteritis nodosa)
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renal arterial emboli
cardiac valvulopathy
cardiac arrhythmia
aortic aneurysm