Renal sonography with 2-dimensional versus cine organ imaging: preliminary results

This pilot study was undertaken to determine whether cine organ imaging (COI) of the entire kidney yields a quicker and equally diagnostic study compared with traditional 2-dimensional (2D) scanning.

Fifty-seven adult patients referred for diagnostic renal sonography underwent 2D sonography followed by COI performed by a second sonographer, who was blinded to the results of the first examination. Images were interpreted blindly by 2 independent readers in 2 separate reading sessions divided into 2D or COI image sets for each patient. The acquisition time and interpretation time of each protocol were recorded. Images were scored for the percentage of kidney visualized and for the presence or absence of hydronephrosis, stones, cysts, and renal lesions (non-simple cysts and solid masses).

The average acquisition time decreased from 13.3 to 10.5 minutes between 2D and COI studies, respectively (P = .02). The average image interpretation time increased 37 seconds (P < .0001). A greater percentage of parenchymal visualization was achieved with COI versus 2D imaging. There was no significant difference in detection of renal abnormalities (hydronephrosis, stones, renal cysts, and masses) between the 2 modes, although the detection of cysts on COI was equal to or greater than that on 2D imaging on a per-patient basis.

Cine organ imaging decreased the acquisition time significantly while retaining and possibly improving diagnostic quality. The minimally increased interpretation time may be decreased in the future by fewer volume acquisitions per patient. Further investigations will be needed to assess the impact of color Doppler imaging in volumetric protocols as well as to compare renal lesion detection versus computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.