[On the importance of B-scan-ultrasound for the diagnosis of nephrological and urological diseases in childhood (author's transl)].

Kidneys of 118 children of all age groups, and of 2 adults were investigated by means of senography. Normal kidneys could be identified on account of a typical echo-pattern. Deviations from this pattern were interpreted as evidence for pathological changes in the kidneys; they were correlated to the radiological and in some cases to the pathologic-anatomical findings. Typical deviations of the echo-pattern were found in cases of hydronephrosis, duplex kidneys, duplex kidneys in combination with hydronephrosis, polycystic renal diseases and other renal diseases. It was even possible to demonstrate decrease and increase of hydronephrosis by means of sonography. Indications for the application of this method are pointed out. In addition its accuracy and importance in relation to other diagnostics methods are discussed.