ASN's Mission

To create a world without kidney diseases, the ASN Alliance for Kidney Health elevates care by educating and informing, driving breakthroughs and innovation, and advocating for policies that create transformative changes in kidney medicine throughout the world.

learn more

Contact ASN

1401 H St, NW, Ste 900, Washington, DC 20005

email@asn-online.org

202-640-4660

The Latest on X

Kidney Week

Abstract: FR-PO133

Multisystem Manifestations of Haemolytic Uremic Syndrome: A Pictorial Case Series

Session Information

Category: Acute Kidney Injury

  • 003 AKI: Clinical and Translational

Authors

  • Hartley, Louise J, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
  • Butler, Sandra, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
  • Stenhouse, Emily J, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
  • Reynolds, Ben C, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
Background

We present a comprehensive pictorial case series illustrating the diverse multisystem radiological manifestations of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli Haemolytic Uremic Syndrome (STEC-HUS). STEC-HUS is characterised by haemolytic anaemia, thrombocytopenia and acute renal dysfunction with significant morbidity and mortality.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the imaging findings of 148 cases of STEC-HUS in a national paediatric nephrology centre over a 13 year period. The average presenting age was 5.5 years (52% female; 48% male).

Results

Renal: Renal ultrasound was performed in 18.2% of cases, of which a hyperechoic renal cortex was the most common finding (19/27). Three cases of renal cortical necrosis and one case of acquired cystic kidney disease were diagnosed on serial ultrasound and MRI imaging. Gastrointestinal: Abdominal radiography (AXR) was performed in 14.2% of cases, of which colonic wall thickening was the most common finding (14/21). On abdominal ultrasound colonic thickening (12/27) and free fluid (10/27) were the most common findings. One case of bowel ischaemia was diagnosed on MRI. Neurological: Neuroimaging was performed in 8.1% of cases, of which bilateral lentiform nuclei and/or thalamic infarctions were the most common abnormality (5/12). Two patients had multi-territorial infarcts including the first reported case of large vessel arterial thrombosis in HUS on imaging. Hepatobiliary: Two cases of hepatomegaly were seen on abdominal ultrasound. On AXR biliary excretion of contrast media due to renal failure was reported in one case. Haemodialysis-related secondary haemochromatosis was diagnosed on follow-up MRI in two cases. Respiratory: Chest radiography was performed in 21.6% of cases, of which pulmonary oedema was the most common abnormality (7/32). Ocular: Eye ultrasound demonstrated severe vitreous haemorrhages in one case.

Conclusion

This pictorial case series illustrates the imaging findings of common, rare and previously unreported multisystem manifestations of STEC-HUS. Awareness of the role of radiology will aid early diagnosis and subsequent management in this complex disease.