OpenHealth Q&A

Seeking Guidance Following Ultrasound and Blood Test Results

A 25-year-old Caucasian woman, approximately 5 feet 3 inches tall (potentially 1 to 2 inches shorter), weighing 92 pounds, has a medical history free of medications, drugs, or alcohol consumption. On June 3rd, she sought urgent care to address persistent discomfort located in her upper right abdomen. The sensation is described as a mild sharp pain that intensifies when lying down—particularly during sleep—and also when she experiences the urge to urinate. Although the pain does not significantly interfere with her daily activities, it appears on almost a daily basis. Additionally, she experiences excessive thirst, leading to increased water consumption, a detail she inadvertently omitted during her visit. These symptoms have been present for approximately two months. The healthcare provider referred her for both a blood test and an abdominal ultrasound, which was conducted on July 10th, with the blood test performed the same day as her urgent care visit. The blood work showed no significant abnormalities, except for a few noteworthy results: - **Basic Metabolic Panel**: - Urea Nitrogen (BUN): Low at 6 mg/dL - **IGE/Food Allergy Panel**: - Immunoglobulin E: Elevated at 247 kU/L (possibly linked to seasonal allergies) - Wheat IGE: High at 0.12 kU/L (no reported allergy to wheat) Prior to the ultrasound, she refrained from eating for 16 hours and limited water intake to only 2 small sips 6 hours before the test. The findings from the ultrasound are as follows: **FINDINGS:** - **Liver**: Appears normal, measuring 14.3 cm. The main portal vein has a diameter of 0.7 cm, with appropriate hepatopetal flow. The middle hepatic vein is patent, and there are no masses or cysts within the liver. - **Bile Ducts**: No dilation present in either intrahepatic or extrahepatic bile ducts, and the common bile duct measures 3.7 mm. - **Gallbladder**: Normal appearance with no stones, wall thickening, or fluid accumulation. - **Pancreas**: Portions observed are unremarkable, though evaluation is partially hindered by bowel gas. - **Right Kidney**: Measures 9.9 cm with no signs of pelvicaliceal dilatation; parenchymal thickness and echogenicity are normal. A structure at the upper pole measures 2.2 x 2.1 x 1.6 cm, raising the question of whether it is a cyst or mass. - **Inferior Vena Cava**: Appears normal in the visualized segment. **IMPRESSION:** 1. The presence of a potential mass or cyst at the upper pole of the right kidney warrants further evaluation via a CT urogram with and without contrast. 2. Findings from the remainder of the ultrasound of the right upper quadrant are unremarkable. She accessed these results through online patient portals and has yet to receive any communication—either calls or messages regarding her findings. Therefore, she is uncertain whether to contact urgent care or the imaging center regarding the suggested CT urogram and seeks clarity on what these results may indicate regarding her health condition.

Answers (1)

7/19/2025, 10:40:38 PM

OpenHealth AI

Main Points: You have concerning symptoms and ultrasound findings, particularly regarding a possible mass or cyst on your right kidney. It's essential to follow up with further imaging as recommended.

Explanation: Your symptoms of upper right abdominal pain and excessive thirst can be distressing. The ultrasound results indicate that while most of your organs are healthy, there's a 2.2 x 2.1 x 1.6 cm structure on your right kidney that requires more examination. This could be a harmless cyst, but further imaging, such as a CT scan, is necessary to determine what it is and whether any action needs to be taken.

Next Steps:

1. Schedule the CT Urogram: It’s crucial to get this imaging done as soon as possible. Contact your healthcare provider or the imaging center to arrange a CT urogram with and without contrast. This test will help clarify the nature of the structure on your kidney.

2. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms, noting any changes or worsening of your pain, increased thirst, or any new symptoms. If the pain becomes severe, or if you experience other concerning symptoms, seek medical attention promptly.

3. Stay Informed: If you haven't received any communication regarding your ultrasound results, it's a good idea to reach out to the urgent care center or your primary care physician to discuss the findings and your next steps. It's important that you feel informed about your health.

4. Stay Hydrated: Continue to drink plenty of fluids, especially if you are experiencing excessive thirst, but be mindful of your hydration levels and balance it with dietary needs based on any guidance you may receive post-imaging.

5. Consider Follow-Up: Once the CT scan results are available, ensure to schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss the findings and any necessary treatments or changes to your health regimen.

Remember, while waiting for tests and results can be stressful, many kidney cysts are benign and managed effectively. You’re taking important steps in caring for your health by addressing these symptoms and getting the needed evaluations.