RELEVANCE OF COLOR-CODED DUPLEX SONOGRAPHY IN NEPHROLOGY

In recent years, definite indications for the use of colour coded duplex sonography (CCDS) in nephrology have been elaborated. CCDS is superior to all other investigation methods both for the demonstration of perfusion in transplanted kidneys and the recognition of complete venous thromboses in transplants. Excellent results are obtained when used as screening diagnostic tool for transplant renal artery stenosis or flow problems in dialysis fistula. With careful selection of patients, CCDS is gaining increasing importance in the diagnosis of stenosis in native renal arteries. For the diagnosis of acute transplant rejection, serial investigations by means of CCDS may give early indications of a rejection. So the transplant biopsy may be performed at an earlier time. Because of its limited specificity, Doppler sonography does not replace the transplant biopsy. Its sensitivity and favourable timing however may account for early recognition and therapy of rejection episodes. The investigations available so far justify the use of CCDS as a basic diagnostic tool in nephrology.