Ultrasonic imaging characteristics of transplanted kidneys with delayed graft function

We investigated the ultrasonic imaging characteristics of transplanted kidneys with delayed graft function (DGF). Ultrasonography was performed in 44 patients after kidney transplantation, and a time-intensity analysis was performed to compare the differences between patients with normal graft function (NGF) and those with DGF. Compared with the NGF group, the DGF group had earlier arrival time, shorter time to peak, and higher arrival intensity and peak intensity (P < 0.05). The variation-of-intensity parameters in different renal cortices increased, whereas the variation-of-time parameter decreased, in those with DGF (P < 0.05). In conclusion, compared with the NGF group, the microcirculation perfusion of transplanted kidneys in the DGF group showed higher perfusion with earlier arrival time, shorter time to peak, and higher arrival intensity and peak intensity. In addition, the intensity variations of contrast agent in different renal cortices from patients with DGF were greater, whereas the variations in perfusion time were smaller than those in patients with NGF.