[Ultrasonic scanning in chronic renal insufficiency]

A total of 315 patients with chronic renal insufficiency (CRI) were investigated in order to study the potentialities of ultrasound scanning in early diagnosis of obstructive nephropathy. The susceptibility of the test was 96%, specificity--94%. Due to its simplicity and noninvasiveness it can be recommended as a method of screening in renal obstruction irrespective of renal function. It provides an opportunity to rapidly identify groups of patients who need urgent surgical aid to restore urine passage or conservative therapy. In the absence of ultrasound signs of obstructive diseases further x-ray examination is inappropriate. The use of ultrasound scanning as the first diagnostic procedure simplifies and facilitates the examination of CRI patients, preventing undesirable complications, associated with radiocontrast methods of kidney visualization.