New diagnostic techniques in clinical nephrology. Colour coded duplex sonography for evaluation of renal transplants--tool or toy for the nephrologist?

Colour coded duplex sonography is the method of first choice to evaluate perfusion of transplanted kidneys, to detect transplant renal artery stenosis, to demonstrate complete thrombosis of transplant veins, and to detect arteriovenous fistulae. In many situations use of CCDS avoids scintigraphy and angiography without impairing diagnostic reliability. Serial investigations with CCDS provide early and sensitive indicators of acute rejection. This will help in the decision to perform timely transplant biopsies. Because of its limited specificity, CCDS cannot replace biopsy. The results available so far justify the recommendation that CCDS be an integral part of the nephrological diagnostic program. CCDS will provide the nephrologist with colour that might embellish the grey of his daily routine work.