[Duplex sonographic findings following kidney transplantation-- possible value in the diagnosis of graft rejection].

Abstract

59 prospective duplex ultrasound studies have been performed on 30 patients after renal transplant to assess the feasibility of detection of acute rejection. The results were compared with clinical, biochemical and histopathologic findings. Real time ultrasound was not a reliable method in predicting acute rejection. Doppler sonography, however, characteristically showed a diminished diastolic blood flow in all cases of acute rejection. Acute tubular necrosis and cyclosporine toxicity were not provable, neither by real time ultrasound nor by doppler sonography. Duplex ultrasound combines the advantages of both methods in detecting perirenal fluid collections, hydronephrosis and acute transplant rejection.