An unusual case of a renal artery aneurysm mimicking a renal calculus

Abstract

We report a case of a 55-year-old woman who presented with symptoms typical of renal colic. Ultrasonography demonstrated a calcific density in the region of the renal hilum that demonstrated features in keeping with a renal calculus. The patient underwent extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy, but pain prompted further imaging that revealed that the calcification in the renal hilum was in fact a renal artery aneurysm. We conclude that to avoid such a diagnostic error, colour or power Doppler should be utilized.