B-SCANN ULTRASONOGRAPHY IN KIDNEY-DISEASE S AND HYPERTENSION

B-scan ultrasonography has proved to be a simple, non-invasive method in the diagnostic evaluation of renal and hypertensive diseases. It is complementary to physical examination and its diagnostic value is wel l established in many renal diseases. Polycystic kidney disease, renal obstruction and simple renal cysts can be correctly diagnosed sonogra phically. B-scan ultrasonography is an efficient screening procedure i n solid renal masses and may direct the evaluation to subsequent imagi ng techniques. In inflammatory renal diseases ultrasonography can not distinguish between different forms. Chronical inflammatory diseases c an be diagnosed in the case of diminution of kidneys size and increase d parenchyma echo pattern, but there is no correlation between the son ographic findings and the renal function, Ultrasonographic examination of renal transplants is well established and permits the diagnosis of ureteral obstruction and perirenal fluid collections. The technique i s little helpful in differentiating rejection and acute tubular necros is. Sonography is used to locate the kidney for percutaneous renal bio psy or nephrostomy. Traumatic lesions such as perirenal haematomas or blood clots within the urinary collecting system are easily diagnosed. The method is used as basic imaging technique in the evaluation of ar terial hypertension. Renal parenchyma diseases, pheochromocytomas, Con n's syndrome or hyperthyreosis can lead to characteristic B-scan findi ngs. A significant difference in kidney size may suggest a renal arter y stenosis.