DUPLEX-SCAN AND RENAL-ARTERY STENOSIS - A N EXPERIENCE IN 86 PATIENTS

Duplex-scan is widely used for arterial stenosis diagnosis. Its role i n detection of renal artery stenosis remains controversial (2, 17, 19, 25). The aim of this study was to determine retrospectively if duplex -scan is accurate for diagnosis of renal artery stenosis. During 36 mo nths, 764 patients had a renal artery examination with duplex-scan : 9 0 patients had also renal arteriography. Duplex-scan was feasible in 9 5% of cases (excess bowel gas or major obesity gave to duplex-scan inc omplete results in four patients upon 90). Ninety-three per cent of pa tients had hypertension; 20% had renal failure; 61% had obstruction of coronary, carotid artery or lower limb arteries. Nineteen patients am ong 86 had also an intravenous renal arteriography. We compared duplex -scan with venous angiography and intra-arterial arteriography. Duplex -scan criteria for stenoses were: a maximal systolic velocity (MSV) ab ove 180 cm/s for detection of 60% to 79% stenoses and a MSV superior t o 300 cm/s for detection of 80% to 99% stenoses. Global results showed a good sensitivity 59/64 (92%) and specificity 112/117 (96%) for dupl ex-scan. Duplex-scan is accurate for diagnosis of renal artery stenosi s in a selected population.