DETECTION OF RENAL-ARTERY STENOSIS - POTE NTIALS AND LIMITS OF DOPPLER WAVE-FORM ANALYSIS IN INTRARENAL VESSELS IN COMPARISON WITH ANGIOGRAPHY

Purpose: The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the potenti als and limits of Doppler waveform analysis of intrarenal vessels in p atients with suspected renal artery stenosis. Material and methods: In a three-year study we compared our colour Doppler results of 111 pati ents with the angiography results. Evaluated parameters were accelerat ion time (AT), acceleration index (Al) and early systolic peak (ESP). Results: The sensitivity of severe stenoses (greater than or equal to 70%) was 89%. In moderate stenoses (50-70%) it was possible to increas e the sensitivity from 56% to 76% if a comparison with the contralater al side was included. The specificity was 91%. Causes for limited sens itivity and specificity were poore examination conditions, stenoses of accessory renal arteries and moderate stenoses as well as diffuse non -stenosing lesions. Conclusion: In comparison with angiography, the di agnostic value of Doppler waveform analysis in the detection of renal artery stenoses has specific limitations. In significant stenoses, how ever, additional valuable haemodynamic information, useful for PTA, ca n be obtained by this easy and accessible method.