[The value of echography in the care of patients with chronic renal insufficiency (author's transl)].

Echography permits information on the shape of the kidneys and ureteral system without reference to their function, and on the perirenal tissue. This is illustrated by a typical example. Echography also provides rapid orientation in the recognition of collections of fluid in the preformed body cavities, which can rapidly bring the affected patient into a life-threatening condition, particularly in the shape of a pericardial effusion. For this reason the inclusion of echography in the investigation program in the care of patients with chronic renal insufficiency is recommended.