Abnormal renal medulla morphology

What it means

Any structural abnormality of the medulla of the kidney.

The renal pyramids of the adult kidney resemble a cone with a broad base adjacent to the renal cortex and the narrow apex that is termed papilla. The adult renal medulla is made up of 10-18 pyramids. A pyramid consists of the medullary collecting ducts, loops of Henle, vasa recta (straight capillaries) and the interstitium. The main function of the medulla is to regulate concentration of the urine. The urine flows from the collecting ducts into the renal calyces and pelvis.

Rare diseases that can present with this1

The range is how often this sign appears among people diagnosed with each disease — it is not a probability of having any of them. Many of these signs also occur in common, non-rare conditions. A sign on this page is a conversation to have with a clinician, not a conclusion.

Part of the broader category

Also called: Abnormality of the renal medulla