[Detection of perfusion of kidney transplants. Comparison between color-coded and amplitude-coded Doppler ultrasound].

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficiency of colour Doppler energy (CDE) in comparison to conventional colour Doppler sonography (CDI) in the detection of renal blood flow signals in asymptomatic patients after renal transplantation.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Fifteen asymptomatic volunteer patients after renal transplantation were examined with CDI and CDE. The examination parameters were kept constant; only the Doppler-receiver gain was varied. Assessment and comparison of blood flow signals were obtained with a self defined score system.

RESULTS

CDI showed Doppler signals in the main stem vessels, segmental and interlobar vessels in all patients; in the arcuate arteries blood flow signals were detected in only 11 of 15 patients. There was no Doppler signal in peripherally located medullary and cortical vessels. CDE showed blood flow signals in the main stem, segmental and interlobar vessels and additionally in the arcuate, interlobular and medullary as well as in the cortical vessels in all patients.

CONCLUSION

CDE is more sensitive than CDI and improves the detection of blood flow signals in peripheral medullary and cortical vessels of renal transplants.