Normal Renal Cortical Thickness on Imaging
Normal adult renal cortical thickness on renal ultrasound is generally 7–10 mm (measured from the base of the medullary pyramid to the outer renal margin). [1]
Measurement Context on Renal Ultrasound
Renal cortical thickness is measured from the base of the medullary pyramid to the edge of the kidney. [1]
Expected Normal Range
Normal renal cortical thickness on renal ultrasound is approximately 7–10 mm. [1]
Alternative Parameter When Corticomedullary Differentiation Is Limited
When the medullae are not visible, assessment may rely on parenchymal thickness, which should be about 1.5–2.0 cm. [2]
Normal Variation Across Imaging and View
Cortical thickness varies within a kidney and may be thicker at the poles. [2]
Practical Interpretation Implications
Reduced renal cortical thickness is used clinically to suggest renal parenchymal loss associated with chronic kidney disease. [1]
References for Typical Normal Values
Typical numeric thresholds commonly cited for adult renal ultrasound cortical thickness are derived from renal ultrasound review literature rather than from a single universally adopted reference standard. [1], [2]