Renal Sinus (Human Anatomy): Image, Functions, Diseases and Treatments
Last Updated: Mar 18, 2023
Renal Sinus Image
A fat-filled sinus called the renal sinus provides padding for the kidney's inner workings. The renal pelvis is a component that serves the important function of collecting urine as it is made in the kidneys. A cyst is the most frequent disease of the renal sinus, and it frequently manifests with no symptoms at all.
What is the renal sinus?
The renal sinus is an intrarenal area that houses the kidney's vascular and nervous systems. The renal medulla sits at the kidney's core, protected on both sides by the renal cortex.
The renal sinus performs a vital function in the body by assisting in the filtration of waste products and excess fluids from the blood and their subsequent excretion via the urinary system. In addition to producing hormones that aid in blood pressure regulation, it aids in maintaining proper electrolyte balance in the body.
Where is the renal sinus located?
The renal sinus is in the middle part of the kidney.
What colour is the renal sinus?
Padding the renal sinus with fat is common, and fat has a characteristically white or yellowish colour.
Renal Sinus Functions
There's a cavity in your kidneys called the renal sinus. This organ serves as a storage space for adipose tissue and other components of the kidneys. The padded passageway that allows items to enter and exit.
Renal Sinus Conditions and Disorders
- Renal sinus cyst: There are two different kinds of renal sinus cysts: parapelvic cysts and intrapelvic cysts. Parapelvic cysts start outside the renal sinus, whereas intrapelvic cysts start inside the renal sinus (peripelvic cyst).
- Renal sinus lipomatosis: Renal sinus lipomatosis is a medical condition that describes when there is an abnormally high amount of fat in the renal sinus.
- Benign multilocular cystic nephroma: The growth of benign multilocular cystic nephroma into the renal sinus is one of the symptoms of benign multilocular cystic nephroma.
- Caliectasis: Caliectasis is characterised by the enlargement of the calyces, the organ responsible for initiating the urinary collection process. If caliectasis is not treated, it can lead to kidney failure.
- Vascular lesions: Renal artery aneurysms, arteriovenous communications, and renal vein varices are all different names for the same thing: a bulge in the wall of a renal artery within the renal sinus.
- Renal cell carcinoma: The renal sinus may become invaded by renal cell carcinoma, a malignant tumour.
- Renal artery stenosis: Renal artery stenosis is characterised by a narrowing or obstruction of the renal artery, which is the blood vessel that supplies the kidneys with blood. This can lead to kidney damage since it reduces the amount of blood that is supplied to the organ.
- Renal vein thrombosis: A clot can develop in a vein that drains blood away from the kidney, and this condition is known as renal vein thrombosis. This can lead to kidney damage since it reduces the amount of blood that is supplied to the organ.
- Renal abscess: When pus collects in the kidney, it is called a renal abscess. If untreated, it can cause permanent damage to the kidneys due to an infection or another underlying illness.
- Renal cysts: A renal cyst is a fluid-filled sac that can develop in the kidney. Kidney damage can occur if these tumours are left untreated, regardless of whether they are benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
- Renal tubular acidosis: In renal tubular acidosis, the kidneys are unable to function normally, leading to an abnormally high or low acid level in the blood. The result can be an acid buildup that can harm the kidneys.
Renal Sinus Tests
- CT scan: A computer is used in conjunction with X-rays to create detailed images of the body's internal anatomy in a procedure known as a CT scan. The renal sinus and its neighbouring structures, such as the renal cortex and blood arteries, can be evaluated this way.
- MRI: The combination of a strong magnetic field and radio waves in an MRI scanner allows for the creation of extremely clear images of the body's interior. Examining the renal sinus and its accompanying components, like the renal cortex and blood vessels, is a great way to determine if you're in good health or not.
- Kidney ultrasound: An ultrasound of the kidney is a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses sound waves of a very high frequency to produce images of the organ's inside. Examining the renal sinus and its accompanying components, like the renal cortex and blood vessels, is a great way to determine if you're in good health or not.
- Nuclear imaging: A diagnostic nuclear imaging process involves injecting a very low dose of radioactive material into the patient. This is done for the aim of providing a diagnosis. As the substance accumulates in the kidneys, an imaging technique called renal sinus cystoscopy can be utilised to capture high-resolution images of the organs. The condition of the renal sinus and its environs can be determined using this examination.
- Kidney biopsy: The purpose of a kidney biopsy is to get a tissue sample from the kidney for diagnostic analysis. The condition of the renal sinus and its environs can be evaluated with this method.
- Ureteroscopy: The ureter (the tube that delivers urine from the kidney to the bladder) and the kidney can be visually inspected during a medical procedure called a ureteroscopy. The condition of the renal sinus and its environs can be evaluated with this method.
- Urinalysis: In order to determine the state of one's kidneys and urinary tract, a urinalysis must be performed in a lab. The health of the renal sinus and its environs can be evaluated with this method.
- Renal angiography: Catheterization of the femoral artery and subsequent advancement of the catheter to the kidney is the medical technique known as renal angiography. After injecting dye down the catheter's tube, X-rays can be obtained to examine the renal sinus and kidney to determine how well they're getting blood.
- Renal scintigraphy: A tiny quantity of radioactive material is injected into a patient as part of a radiology imaging technique called renal scintigraphy. This treatment is performed as part of renal imaging. As the substance accumulates in the kidneys, an imaging technique called renal sinus cystoscopy can be utilised to capture high-resolution images of the organs. Kidney function can be evaluated and renal sinus abnormalities detected with this test.
- Intravenous pyelogram (IVP): A medical imaging procedure, an intravenous pyelogram (IVP) involves injecting dye into a vein and then collecting X-ray images of the kidneys and urinary system. The condition of the renal sinus and its environs can be determined with its help.
- Renal function test: A renal function test is a blood test performed in a lab to evaluate kidney health by measuring levels of specific chemicals. The condition of the renal sinus and its environs can be determined with its help.
- Renal artery Doppler ultrasound: An artery of the kidneys Doppler ultrasound is a medical imaging test that visualises blood flow in the renal arteries using high-frequency sound waves. It is helpful for gauging blood flow to the kidneys and renal sinus.
How common are renal sinus cysts?
In older people, renal sinus cysts are rather prevalent. Most of the time, they don't cause any symptoms and are only found during a routine checkup or imaging test for something else. Due to their benign (noncancerous) nature, renal sinus cysts are rarely treated. However, surgical removal may be necessary if the cyst is symptomatic or large enough to put pressure on neighbouring organs.
How do I know if I have a renal sinus cyst?
Side or back pain, blood in the urine, high body temperature, chills, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal enlargement are all possible signs of a renal sinus cyst.Imaging techniques including ultrasound, CT scan, and MRI can help your doctor diagnose a renal sinus cyst. It's possible that a cyst could be too small to cause any symptoms at all, and that it would be identified only during a routine checkup.
Renal Sinus Treatments
- Renal artery angioplasty: To increase blood flow to the kidney, a treatment called renal artery angioplasty may be performed. During this surgery, a tiny balloon is introduced into the renal artery and inflated.
- Renal artery stenting: In renal artery stenting, a tiny metal mesh tube (a stent) is placed inside the renal artery to prop it open and increase blood flow to the kidney.
- Renal artery embolization: Small pieces of wire mesh or other materials are placed into the renal artery to obstruct blood supply to the affected kidney tissue during a technique known as renal artery embolization. Kidney tumours and other malignant growths are a common reason for this.
- Renal artery ligation: The renal artery can be surgically ligated, or closed up, to restrict blood flow to the kidney. Kidney tumours and other malignant growths are a common reason for this.
- Renal vein thrombectomy: Blood flow to the kidneys can be restored through a surgical technique called a renal vein thrombectomy.
- Renal abscess drainage: Small incisions are made in the kidney, and the infected pus is drained out through those in order to perform a technique called renal abscess drainage, which is used to stop the spread of infection.
- Renal cyst drainage: An incision is created in the kidney, and the cyst's contents are drained to eliminate any surplus fluid and stop the kidney from being damaged.
- Renal tubular acidosis treatment: Renal tubular acidosis treatment options include modifying the patient's diet and/or using medication to normalise their body's acid levels.
How do I keep my renal sinus healthy?
To keep your renal sinus healthy, you should:
- Fruits and vegetables are good for you, but try to limit the amount of salt you eat.
- In order to ensure your kidneys are functioning properly, it is recommended that you visit the doctor regularly.
- Follow the prescribed dosage and timing of your medication.
- To maintain your body's water balance, drink enough water.
- In order to prevent damage to your kidneys, it is important to wear protective gear while participating in sports or other physically demanding activities.
- Visit a medical professional if you feel unwell or have an infection.
Renal Sinus Medicines
- Analgesics for renal sinus pain: Medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen, which act as analgesics, are used to treat renal sinus discomfort.
- Antibiotics for infection in renal sinus: Bacterial infections in the renal sinus can be treated with antibiotics like penicillin and amoxicillin.
- Nutritional supplements for reducing pain in renal sinus: To alleviate renal sinus pain and increase nutrient absorption, nutritional supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin can be used orally.
- Antivirals for treating infection of renal sinus: In order to treat viral infections in the renal sinus, antivirals such acyclovir and valacyclovir are used.
- Muscle relaxants for stiffness for renal sinus: For stiffness in the renal sinus, muscle relaxants like cyclobenzaprine and diazepam are prescribed.
- Antihypertensives for renal sinus: High blood pressure in the renal sinus can be treated with antihypertensives like lisinopril and amlodipine.
- Diuretics to reduce the inflammation of renal sinus: Diuretics like furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide are used to flush out the renal sinus and reduce swelling.
- Nsaids for inflammation of renal sinus: Drugs like naproxen and celecoxib, which are anti-inflammatory, are used to treat renal sinus irritation.
- Antidepressants for renal sinus: Depression and chronic pain in the renal sinus can be treated with antidepressants such amitriptyline and venlafaxine.
Table of content
Find Nephrologist near me
Ask a free question
Get FREE multiple opinions from Doctors