Kidneys ultrasound

Kidney Ultrasound is an informative and affordable method of diagnostics a variety of renal pathologies. The technique is well studied, safe, and can be used for adult patients, in pediatrics, and even in obstetrics to examine pregnant women.

Universum clinic equipment allows you to conduct an ultrasound examination of the kidneys in all necessary modes. Due to this, ultrasound often allows you to abandon other examination methods. First of all, from radiation exposure during X-ray diagnostics.

Indications for an ultrasound of the kidneys

Urologists and nephrologists from developed countries of the world have long appreciated the advantages of ultrasound in the diagnosis of diseases of the urinary system. First of all, thanks to safety. So, the main alternative to ultrasound of the kidneys is radiological techniques that are associated with radiation, the introduction of complex contrast agents. This also applies to CT scans.

Indications for ultrasound of the kidneys are any pathological conditions and symptoms associated with a violation of the separation of urine, an increase in the level of urea and creatinine in the blood.

The procedure is also included in the algorithm for diagnosing and monitoring patients suffering from extrarenal (extrarenal) pathology: diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, systemic autoimmune processes, eclampsia during pregnancy.

Symptoms for which ultrasound diagnostics of the kidneys is prescribed

Kidney diseases can occur at any age and, sometimes, renal diseases are latent, without clear clinical manifestations.

We recommend that you do not ignore the symptoms indicating that it is necessary to do an ultrasound of the kidneys:

• discoloration of urine, redness, darkening, turbidity;
• change in the amount of daily urine, a decrease of less than 500 ml per day (oliguria);
• no urination for 24 hours (anuria);
• frequent urination (nocturia);
  an increase in the volume of daily urine (polyuria);
• pain and burning in the urethra when urinating;
• discomfort, pulling pains in the back, below the ribs, on one or both sides;
• attacks of acute pain in this area, even if they pass by themselves;
• increase in blood pressure above 140/90 mm Hg. Art.;
• a strong drop in blood pressure (may occur with adrenal pathology);
• swelling on the face in the morning in the eyelids, cheekbones;
• chronic weakness, pallor, anemia.

Some people are advised to have a prophylactic kidney ultrasound even if none of these symptoms are present.

These are diabetics, hypertensive patients and those who have blood relatives with kidney cysts. Polycystic is inherited genetically, does not manifest itself for a long time. By detecting cysts in time, doctors can influence the disease and maintain normal urinary function for decades.

Diagnostic capabilities of ultrasound of the kidneys

According to modern protocols, during the procedure, all possible parameters of organs are evaluated. We invite you to ultrasound of the kidneys in Kyiv: the level of equipment of the Universum clinic allows you to compile a comprehensive diagnostic report.

We are able to measure, detect and diagnose:

• the state of pararenal tissue (adipose tissue surrounding the kidneys);
• reduction or increase in the size of organs;
• parameters of kidney tissue (thickness of the cortex, medulla);
• displacement of organs from normal anatomical positions;
• congenital disorders (absence, duplication or fusion of the kidney);
• cysts of one (multicystic) or both (polycystic) kidneys;
• sand, stones in the pelvis, ureters, in the cavity of the bladder;
• vascular anomalies (accessory artery), thrombosis and vasoconstriction;
• heart attacks, hemorrhages in the tissues of the kidneys and adrenal glands;
• obstruction of the outflow of urine in the pelvis, in the ureters (hydronephrosis);
• tumor formations of the adrenal glands, organs of the urinary system.

The Doppler mode gives an idea of the adequacy of blood flow in the organs: when the kidney receives less blood, the person's pressure rises.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound is used to assess the functional capacity of an organ. The procedure often makes it possible to refuse x-rays and the use of radiopaque agents that are toxic to kidney patients.

The clinic also provides a kidney ultrasound service at home. The diagnostician visits the patient, uses a compact device to perform ultrasound diagnostics and draws up a complete diagnostic report.

Contraindications

Minimal: Acute skin infections in the scanned area that prevent proper transducer placement. The doctor of the clinic will help to cure the process, after which it is possible to carry out diagnostics.

Preparation

At the time of the examination, a full bladder is needed, so it is recommended to drink non-carbonated water in the morning before the procedure. Also pay a little attention to outerwear: choose one that is easier to take off.

Sometimes the quality of the procedure is affected by intestinal loops swollen with gas. To avoid such a nuisance, you can take sorbents or simethicone preparations in advance.

The best thing is to contact the clinic consultant first. Our specialist will tell you in detail what kind of preparation for ultrasound of the kidneys is needed for a particular patient.

The course of the procedure

The patient lies on his back or on his side. The diagnostician applies a little special gel to the skin in the projection area of the scanned organ to improve the conductivity of ultrasonic waves. Then he applies a sensor-scanner to the area under study. The device sends inaudible sound waves, captures the signals reflected from the tissues and displays an echographic image on the screen.

The modes (B-sonography, Dopplerography, 3D scanning) are switched from the control panel of the device and do not require any actions from the patient. The duration of the examination is approximately 20-30 minutes.

The procedure is absolutely painless, well tolerated by children. After the session, the gel is wiped dry with a towel.

Benefits of kidney ultrasound at LuxMedic Clinic

The clinic provides both components of a correct diagnosis: a modern expert-class apparatus and an experienced diagnostician.

In our work, we use modern ultrasound diagnostic protocols recognized by the international medical community.

The procedure is carried out in full, with an exhaustive diagnostic conclusion. Results are usually provided on the same day of application. If necessary, our specialists will arrange a consultation with a specialized doctor: surgeon, urologist, therapist.

Literature

1. Singla RK, Kadatz M, Rohling R, Nguan C. Kidney Ultrasound for Nephrologists: A Review. Kidney Med. 2022 Apr 7;4(6):100464. doi: 10.1016/j.xkme.2022.100464. PMID: 35572095; PMCID: PMC9098467.
2. Ahmed S, Bughio S, Hassan M, Lal S, Ali M. Role of Ultrasound in the Diagnosis of Chronic Kidney Disease and its Correlation with Serum Creatinine Level. Cureus. 2019 Mar 12;11(3):e4241. doi: 10.7759/cureus.4241. PMID: 31131164; PMCID: PMC6516621.
3. Hansen KL, Nielsen MB, Ewertsen C. Ultrasonography of the Kidney: A Pictorial Review. Diagnostics (Basel). 2015 Dec 23;6(1):2. doi: 10.3390/diagnostics6010002. PMID: 26838799; PMCID: PMC4808817.
4. Moses AA, Fernandez HE. Ultrasonography in Acute Kidney Injury. POCUS J. 2022 Feb 1;7(Kidney):35-44. doi: 10.24908/pocus.v7iKidney.14989. PMID: 36896100; PMCID: PMC9994307._