[Ultrasound findings on abdominal organs in the acute phase of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome].
INTRODUCTION There are significant changes in small blood vessels with increased permeability, edema of abdominal organs and ascites in the acute phase of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). We analyzed ultrasound changes of abdominal organs in patients with serologically verified HFRS, in order to assess the value of this method in the diagnosis of acute renal failure (ARF). METHODS The study included 14 sporadic patients with ARF and suspicion of HFRS, treated in 2002. Ultrasonography of the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, prostate and retroperitoneum was performed on a Toshiba 220 SSA. RESULTS Parenchymal edema with increased echogenicity, sinus narrowing and enlargement of both kidneys were found in all 14 (100%) patients. Hepatosplenomegaly was found in seven (50%), ascites in four (28.6%), and pleural effusion in two (14.3%) patients. Increased thickness of the bladder wall was found in two (14.3%), gallbladder enlargement in one (7%), and edema of the pancreas in one (7%) patient. CONCLUSION Ultrasound examination has a very important role in the diagnosis and follow-up of changes in the parenchymal organs in the acute acute phase of the disease.