Echogenic rings — An ultrasound sign of early nephrocalcinosis

Echogenic rings in the periphery of renal pyramids were seen in the kidneys of six patients. This appearance is described and is correlated with abdominal radiography or computed tomography (CT) scans, serum calcium levels and, in one patient, autopsy. The findings suggest that echogenic rings are one of the earliest signs of nephrocalcinosis even in the absence of plain radiographic changes.