nephromegaly
Pronunciation: NEF-roe-meg-ah-lee
Abnormal enlargement of one or both kidneys beyond normal size parameters for the patient's age and body surface area.
Full Definition
Nephromegaly describes kidney enlargement that exceeds normal size ranges based on pediatric growth charts and body surface area calculations. In pediatric nephrology, this finding may indicate various pathological processes including compensatory hypertrophy, polycystic kidney disease, hydronephrosis, or infiltrative disorders. Diagnosis typically relies on ultrasound measurements, with kidney length being the most reliable parameter. Normal kidney length in children correlates with height and can be estimated using established nomograms. Bilateral nephromegaly often suggests systemic disease, while unilateral enlargement may indicate compensatory growth or localized pathology.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify whether enlargement is unilateral or bilateral and include reference to age-appropriate normal values.
In Context
- "Ultrasound revealed bilateral nephromegaly with kidney lengths in the 95th percentile for age." — Radiology report
- "The patient's nephromegaly was attributed to autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease." — Genetics consultation note