Ultrasound in patients with blunt renal trauma managed by surgery

We investigated 24 patients with blunt renal trauma by excretory urography plus nephrotomography and ultrasound. The results of these investigations were correlated with the operative findings. The ultrasound diagnosis was correct in 16 of 18 patients with parenchymal injuries. Injuries to the renal pelvis, ureter and renal pedicle were suspected only in connection with excretory urography. Ultrasound provides an excellent inexpensive noninvasive diagnostic tool for the initial diagnostic study of patients with blunt renal trauma.