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Column of Bertin Hypertrophy

The renal columns (columns of Bertin) are extensions of the renal cortex between the medullary pyramids into the renal sinus. A prominent or hypertrophied renal column, typically located in the midportion of the kidney and more often described on the left side, may mimic a pseudotumor on imaging. It is a benign anatomic variant without independent pathological significance.

Differential Diagnosis of Renal Pseudotumor

• Fusion anomalies of the kidneys, e.g., crossed renal ectopia
• Persistent fetal lobulation
• Dromedary hump: a harmless normal anatomic variant in which the lateral border of the left kidney shows a hump-like bulge. It is thought to be caused by molding from the adjacent spleen.
• Compensatory hypertrophy after infections or infarctions

References

  Deutsche Version: Hypertrophierte Columna renalis

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