Ultrasound of renal vessels

Kidneys are known as well-perfused organs and may undergo a variety amount of vascular pathological conditions such as renal artery stenosis, renal vein thrombosis, arteriovenous fistula, and aneurysms. Sonography is usually the first imaging method for renal vascular diseases. Modern US machines are now able to outline with great detail both main renal vessels and intraparenchymal vasculature of the kidney using color and power Doppler techniques. Knowledge about the use of different Doppler imaging modalities and typical sonographic findings of the most frequently conditions affecting renal vessels are of great importance. This article reviews the clinical applications of US and Doppler US techniques including basics and technological advances in the field of renal vascular diseases.