Benefit of contrast enhanced ultrasound for detection of ischaemic lesions and arterio venous fistulas in renal transplants – A feasibility study
Issue title: Selected Presentations from the 29th Conference of the German Society for Clinical Hemorheolgy and Microcirculation, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany, 17–18 September 2010
Affiliations: Department of Clinical Radiology, University of Munich Munich, Germany | Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospitals Grosshadern, University of Munich, Munich, Germany
Note: [] Corresponding author: Dr. med. Andreas Helck, Department of Clinical Radiology, University of Munich, Grosshadern Campus, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany. Tel.: +49 89/7095 3620; Fax: +49 89/7095 8832; E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: Purpose: To evaluate the benefit of CEUS (contrast enhanced ultrasound) regarding depiction of ischaemic lesions and AVFs (arterio venous fistula) in renal transplants compared to standard ultrasound (US) (grey-scale and color Doppler). Materials and methods: In this study 22 patients suspected of having acute vascular complication after renal transplantation were investigated using standard ultrasound (grey-scale US and color Doppler US) and CEUS, respectively. Validity of the respective US-techniques regarding depiction of ischaemic lesions and AVF was compared. Dynamic CTA (computed tomography angiography) served as the standard of reference. Results: In 10 renal transplants arterial embolism associated with kidney infarctions were observed. Very good correlation to dynamic CTA was yielded using CEUS, whereas grey scale US and color Doppler US was limited in the accurate depiction of renal infarctions. Additionally CEUS was superior in displaying arteriovenous fistulas compared to standard US. Conclusion: CEUS as a fast and bedside available imaging modality not associated with dose exposure or renal toxicity facilitates improved detection of ischaemic lesions and AVFs compared to standard US and thus should be considered for short term follow up of renal transplants.
