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Updated: Sep 20, 2026

Point-of-Care Kidney and Genitourinary Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition
Published on: June 21, 2024
Hemodialysis access ultrasound
1Department of Radiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35249-6830, USA. mlockhar@uabmc.edu
Abstract:
Maintenance of hemodialysis graft and fistula patency is becoming even more important as the number of patients with end-stage renal disease increases. There are two major categories of dialysis access: native arteriovenous fistula (AVF) and synthetic arteriovenous graft. Arteriovenous fistulas have superior longevity after maturation and are the recommended type of hemodialysis access, if possible. However, AVFs have a higher rate of primary failure as compared with grafts. Close monitoring has been shown to prolong access survival. Ultrasound is a noninvasive means of imaging for access complications. Ultrasound is sensitive in detection of access or draining vein stenosis. Ultrasound is also useful in the evaluation of other graft or fistula abnormalities, such as pseudoaneurysm, steal, or infection. Careful attention to technical detail is required, and avoidance of several diagnostic pitfalls is necessary.
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Abdominal ultrasonography, commonly known as abdominal ultrasound, is a vital, non-invasive medical imaging technique widely used in healthcare.
Procedure:
This diagnostic tool allows the clinician to visually inspect internal structures within the abdomen, including vital organs such as the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, and spleen.
The abdominal ultrasound process begins with applying a special gel to the patient's skin over the abdomen. This gel enhances the...
