[Nephrology for general practice--sonographic findings]

Ultrasound examination contributes essentially to the assessment of nephrological disorders. This investigation provides accurate information about form, size and mobility of the organ. Circumscript painful areas can be localized in combination with palpation. Pathological changes such as hydronephrosis, cysts, solid tumors or inherited diseases (polycystic diseases, hypoplasia or renal agenesia) can easily be diagnosed. Therefore this harmless method is the investigation of choice in the screening of families for inherited renal diseases. To differentiate between acute and chronic renal failure, this diagnostic technique is preferentially employed. Furthermore, it provides valuable information for the long-term-management of patients on haemodialysis, patients with hydronephrosis or impaired renal function. However, for the diagnosis of minor defects in renal calces, the vasculature and for the detection of small stones, this technique needs still to be improved.