Acute pyelonephritis is a kidney infection that occurs when bacteria travel up from the bladder through the ureter and into the kidney tissue. On ultrasound, the affected kidney may appear enlarged and swollen, sometimes with areas of altered echogenicity or loss of the normal distinction between the cortex and medulla. In severe cases, ultrasound can reveal complications such as renal abscesses or obstructing stones that may be causing the infection. While the diagnosis is primarily made through clinical symptoms and urine tests, ultrasound is important for identifying complications that may need drainage or surgical intervention.
Sonography Term