[Duplex sonography in the assessment of normal flow relations in the transplanted kidney]

26 patients with normal renal transplants were examined by means of duplex sonography to define normal blood flow parameters. The renal blood flow pattern showed in each segment of the renal arteries a rapid upslope in systole followed by graduate downslope in the early diastole with persistent flow throughout the diastole. There was no significant difference between the main renal artery and the three different orders of intrarenal arteries. Mistakes can be made due to flow disturbance from turbulences at the anastomosis or by obtaining signals from other vessels located near the renal parenchyma. Several (at least two) arterial signals should be obtained by aligning the transducer along the axis of the transplant renal artery and renal parenchyma. Only the strongest signals should be recorded.