What are the strengths of Ultrasound in the evaluation of kidney disease?
• Sensitive for detection of perirenal fluid collections, pelvicalyceal dilatation, and cysts
• Differentiates cortex and medulla
• Differentiates cystic and solid masses
• Shows the kidney contour and perinephric space
• Demonstrates kidney blood flow by Doppler technique
• Provides good kidney imaging irrespective of kidney function; may be used in patients with elevated serum creatinine
• Can evaluate resistive indices to monitor chronic kidney disease and kidney transplants
• Can be used portably at the bedside in the intensive care unit
• Safe: no ionizing radiation or nephrotoxic contrast medium
• Low cost