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Renal transplant evaluation with power Doppler sonography
M D Hilborn1, R O Bude, K J Murphy
1Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109-0326, USA.
The British Journal of Radiology
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Power Doppler ultrasound of renal transplants did not correlate with disease severity. Subjective analysis of cortical vascularity in these transplants showed no link to rejection or creatinine levels, limiting its diagnostic value.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Radiology
- Transplant Medicine
Background:
- Power Doppler sonography is used to assess renal transplant vascularity.
- Previous observations noted variations in power Doppler appearance.
- The correlation of these variations with transplant disease requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if power Doppler sonographic findings in renal transplants correlate with disease.
- To evaluate the relationship between subjective cortical vascularity grading and biopsy results, serum creatinine, and resistive index.
Main Methods:
- 22 renal transplants underwent power Doppler sonography.
- Cortical vascularity was subjectively graded (0, 1, or 2) based on observed blood flow.
- Biopsies were performed for disease classification, alongside serum creatinine and resistive index measurements.
Main Results:
- Cortical vascularity grading showed no statistically significant correlation with rejection, creatinine levels, or resistive index.
- The most severe cases of vascular rejection exhibited normal vascularity (grade 0).
- The diversity of transplant diseases and limited sample size precluded detailed statistical analysis for rejection.
Conclusions:
- Subjective assessment of power Doppler sonographic appearance of renal transplants does not aid in their evaluation.
- This imaging technique, as applied, is not a reliable indicator of transplant disease or rejection.
- Further research may be needed to explore objective quantitative Doppler parameters.