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Updated: Jun 18, 2025

Author Spotlight: Developing a Bedside Protocol for Kidney and Genitourinary Ultrasonography
Published on: June 21, 2024
[Evaluation of kidney function beyond the laboratory: role and current state of kidney imaging]
Juan Pablo Huidobro E1, Mario Santamarina2, Jorge Vega3
1Escuela de Medicina, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
Abstract:
The evaluation of kidney function is usually performed through the estimation of the glomerular filtration rate and urine analysis. The evaluation of the kidney morphology through an image complements and enriches this information. However, many of the applications of current imaging techniques are unknown to clinicians. In addition, communication between clinicians and imaging specialists is less common than desirable. In this review, we will describe the imaging methods most frequently used for evaluating kidney function and other clinical situations, in addition to analyzing the most significant advances, particularly in ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging, for the early detection and follow-up of kidney damage.
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