The renal columns, Bertin columns, or columns of Bertin, a.k.a. columns of Bertini are extensions of the renal cortex in between the renal pyramids. They allow the cortex to be better anchored. (Cortical extensions into the medullary space.)
Each column consists of lines of blood vessels and urinary tubes and a fibrous material.
A hypertrophied renal column (or renal pseudotumor) may be differentiated from an actual renal tumor with the help of a DMSA scan. The scan will show the area as one with normal activity if it is a pseudotumor or will show decreased uptake if it is a cystic or solid renal mass.
