Imaging studies in renal failure. Emphasis of selection and sequencing in the clinical evaluation.

The focus of this review will be on the current role of imaging studies in the clinical evaluation of patients with acute and chronic renal failure. We will stress the application of these studies in specific clinical settings in an effort to indicate the current value, and also to suggest fruitful areas for future clinical investigation. It is clear that imaging studies are an essential component in the evaluation of acute and chronic renal failure. Physicians who manage such patients must choose appropriately from a variety of available studies to obtain a maximal information with the least risk to their patients. This selection is influenced by local conditions, the most important among these being the experience and technical skill of those involved. Attention to detail is particularly important and it is critical that the studies be done at the appropriate time in the evaluation. There will be emphasis on the evolving role of imaging studies in evaluating these patients.