Sonographic study of the juxtarenal retroperitoneal compartments

Computed tomographic scanning has brought analysis of the different retroperitoneal compartments and fascias into routine radiologic diagnosis. Ultrasound has generally been thought to be incapable of revealing the details of these anatomic structures unless they are enhanced by pathologic changes, such as the presence of fluid collections. The authors show that sonograms can reveal the anatomic features of the juxtarenal compartments in patients with pathologic conditions as well as in many normal subjects.