Evaluation of renal morphology and vascular function by color flow Doppler sonography immediately after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy.

Thirteen male and seven female patients with renal calculi were evaluated by color flow Doppler sonography (CFDS) for renal morphology and function before and after receiving 1000 to 2350 shocks with the Dornier MPL 9000 lithotripter. No significant morphologic change was encountered except for renal enlargement thought to be secondary to edema induced by shock wave application. Similarly, no significant differences were recorded in the systolic and diastolic flow rates or pulsatility (PI) or resistive (RI) indices of the renal vessels before and after treatment (P > 0.05). Color flow Doppler sonography appears to be a safe, noninvasive, and reliable means of evaluating kidneys subjected to extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy.