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Hypertrophic column of Bertin

The renal column of Bertin is a medullary extension of the renal cortex in between the renal pyramids. Hypertrophic column of Bertin (HCB) is a normal variant that appears as a mass that extends towards renal sinus.

How to differentiate it from a real renal mass?

HCBRenal tumor
1. Usually isoechoic with rest of the cortex Can be isoechoic or heterogeneous but usually demarcates itself from the renal parenchyma. May contain calcifications or necrotic areas.
2. Protrudes inwards into the sinus fat and the renal outline is preserved Grows outwards and usually distorts the renal outline
3. On Doppler, the vascular pattern is similar to that of the surrounding renal parenchyma. Use power Doppler for better identification of flow. The vasculature is prominent in the periphery of the mass
4. May wrap around the medullary pyramid without distorting its architecture Distinct from pyramid, may compress

Some HCBs may demonstrate atypical characteristics on greyscale ultrasound and may need contrast-enhanced CT/MRI/ultrasound to make sure it is similar to adjacent cortical tissue.


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