Renal ultrasonography 1984: a practical overview

Renal sonography is quite sensitive, although experience has demonstrated its lack of specificity. The abnormal renal sonogram should therefore suggest several differential possibilities. This article addresses the strengths and limitations of renal ultrasound. Although renal ultrasound was once thought to be tissue-specific in many instances, this has not proved to be true. It is thus incumbent on the sonographer to interpret the findings in light of the overall clinical setting and to recommend other imaging modalities as appropriate for confirmation of the final diagnosis.