Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy effect on renal arterial resistive index changing

Aim To investigate a correlation between resistive index (RI) level changes following extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) in treated and non-treated kidneys depending on the ESWL treatment intensity. The study was conducted on 60 subjects, which were divided in two groups according to age and treatment protocol. Results In the group of patients younger than 55 years of age there was a significant increase in mean RI values, on the first (p=0.001) and second day after the treatment (p=0.007). In the group older than 55 years of age, the resulting increase in mean RI levels was also significant on the first (p=0.003) and second (p=0.011) day following the treatment. The RI values in the non-treated kidney on the first day after the treatment grew significantly (p=0.033). In the group older than 55, RI values in the non-treated kidney grew significantly on the first day after the treatment (p=0.044). In the group who received 2000 SWs, RI levels grew significantly (p=0.044) as well as in the group who received 4000 SWs during the treatment, where the significance was more pronounced (p=0.007). Conclusion There is a correlation between RI changes and the degree and localization of changes in vascular elements of the kidney. Post-ESWL treatment changes are existent and reversible, over a period of one week after the treatment.