Subcapsular Haematoma

Clinical History

A 74-year old man presented with a recent history of fall and an acute kidney injury (AKI) was referred to have a renal ultrasound as an initial imaging assessment.

Case Description

Ultrasound revealed a 12 cm heterogeneous structure within the subcapsular layer of the left kidney with no internal vascularity seen within the abnormality. Appearances were suggestive of a subcapsular haematoma.

Diagnosis/ Discussion/ Treatment/ Follow up

The patient had a subsequent contrast CT which confirmed the ultrasound findings. A followup ultrasound months later revealed the haematoma to have mostly resolved.

Subcapsular haematoma can mimic renal masses on ultrasound. However, the absence of internal vascularity and the location of the abnormality within the renal capsule are two features that can help improve the diagnostic confidence of ultrasound practitioners in clinical settings