Paintbrush sign of medullary sponge kidney on IVP

Case contributed by Craig Hacking
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Hematuria.

Patient Data

Age: 40 years
Gender: Male

Linear streaky appearance of dilated contrast filled tubules within the right kidney and to a lesser extent the upper pole of the left kidney. No calcifications identified (on the prelim).

Case Discussion

The paintbrush sign is most commonly seen in medullary sponge kidney (which the patient was confirmed to have) but may also be seen in renal tubular ectasia.

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