Renal doppler in children

Duplex Doppler ultrasonography has been extensively used in the last few years in the assessment of various kidney diseases in adults and children. It enables evaluation of intrarenal flow, of blood vessels distribution and, by measuring Doppler sonographic indices, noninvasive evaluation of renal vascular resistance. In pediatric nephrology Doppler was first used to evaluate vascular changes in renal transplants. In native kidneys Doppler is used for the detection and follow up of hemolytic-uraemic syndrome, diagnosis of renal artery stenosis and renal vein thrombosis, for differentiation between obstructive and nonobstructive dilated urinary tracts and evaluation of renal vascular resistance in many renal parenchymal diseases. It is also used for the detection of biopsy complications, such as A-V fistulas and pseudoaneurisms, and for the assessment of the perfusion of renal tumors. Power Doppler, particulary useful for the visualisation of small vessels with low-velocity flow, can be used for the detection of hyperemia in areas of acute inflammation or tumors, and for areas of decreased flow caused by ischemia and infarction.