A patient with left flank pain may show which finding in a left upper quadrant sonogram?

In a sonogram of the left upper quadrant for a patient experiencing left flank pain, one possible finding could be a hypertrophied column of Bertin. This refers to a normal variant of renal anatomy where the renal cortex appears to protrude between the renal pyramids, resulting in an enlargement of the area. It is commonly mistaken for a mass due to its abnormal appearance but is not pathologic; rather, it is a benign anatomical consideration.

While other findings such as renal abscess, complicated cysts, and dromedary humps could potentially relate to left flank pain, a hypertrophied column of Bertin is specifically a normal variant that can be identified in imaging studies. It indicates that there may be normal anatomical variations present without indicating disease, which is an important distinction for sonographers when interpreting results in patients with flank pain. Understanding these normal variants is crucial for accurate diagnosis and avoiding misinterpretation of benign structures as pathological conditions.