Ultrasound in Renal Diseases: A Useful Tool for Diagnostics and Therapy

A special issue of Diagnostics (ISSN 2075-4418). This special issue belongs to the section "Medical Imaging and Theranostics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2025 | Viewed by 783

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Guest Editor
Unit of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), Hypertension Excellence Centre, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy
Interests: nephrocardiology; chronic renal failure; hypertension
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Ultrasound is achieving increasing attention in relation to patients with chronic kidney diseases because it allows physicians to avoid using contrast media administration and thus circumvents the related risks. In addition, physicians have many tools available to them by means of interventional radiology.

The aim of this Special Issue is to provide an update on the scientific literature in this interesting field of research.

Dr. Caterina Carollo
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • kidney
  • nephrology
  • ultrasounds
  • radiology

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

14 pages, 4770 KiB  
Article
Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in the Characterization of Kidney Cancer Subtypes
by Daniel Vas, Blanca Paño, Alexandre Soler-Perromat, Daniel Corominas, Rafael Salvador, Carmen Sebastià, Laura Buñesch and Carlos Nicolau
Diagnostics 2025, 15(14), 1795; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15141795 - 16 Jul 2025
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Abstract
Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the utility of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), using both qualitative and quantitative perfusion analysis, in differentiating subtypes of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Methods: This prospective, single-center study includes 91 patients with histologically confirmed [...] Read more.
Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the utility of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), using both qualitative and quantitative perfusion analysis, in differentiating subtypes of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Methods: This prospective, single-center study includes 91 patients with histologically confirmed RCC. We performed a CEUS within one week prior to nephrectomy. Qualitative parameters (enhancement pattern, heterogeneity, pseudocapsule) and quantitative perfusion metrics were assessed. Logistic regression models were developed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of CEUS in differentiating high-grade (clear cell RCC) from low-grade RCC (papillary and chromophobe). Results: Qualitative CEUS findings showed that hyperenhancement and isoenhancement were significantly associated with high-grade RCC (OR = 38.3 and OR = 7.8, respectively; p < 0.001 and p = 0.014). Hypoenhancement was predominant in low-grade RCC (80.0%). Quantitative parameters, including peak enhancement and wash-in/wash-out area under the curve, significantly differed between tumor grades (p < 0.001). A model using qualitative parameters alone achieved an AUC of 0.847 and 81.9% accuracy. Adding quantitative metrics marginally improved performance (AUC 0.912, accuracy 86.2%), though not significantly. Conclusions: CEUS provides valuable diagnostic information in differentiating RCC subtypes, with qualitative parameters alone demonstrating strong predictive power. While quantitative analysis slightly enhances diagnostic accuracy, its added value may be limited by technical challenges. Full article
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12 pages, 4853 KiB  
Article
Clinical Utility of Duplex Ultrasonography in the Recognition of Transplant Renal Artery Stenosis: A Single Center Experience
by Ahmad Mirza, Usman Baig, Munazza Khan, Shameem Beigh and Imran Gani
Diagnostics 2025, 15(14), 1766; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15141766 - 13 Jul 2025
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Abstract
Introduction: Renal artery stenosis can significantly impact long-term graft survival rates following kidney transplant. Early recognition and management can improve the longevity of the kidney allograft. We aimed to evaluate the clinical role of duplex ultrasound in the diagnosis of renal artery stenosis [...] Read more.
Introduction: Renal artery stenosis can significantly impact long-term graft survival rates following kidney transplant. Early recognition and management can improve the longevity of the kidney allograft. We aimed to evaluate the clinical role of duplex ultrasound in the diagnosis of renal artery stenosis (RAS). We also wanted to evaluate the current incidence of renal artery stenosis at our institute. Methods: A retrospective, consecutive series of 367 patients who underwent renal transplantation between 1 January 2020 and 30 December 2024 was conducted. We collected data regarding the recipients’ age, body mass index, and comorbidities. All patients diagnosed with renal artery stenosis were identified. The incidence of kidney transplant artery stenosis and presentation were recorded. All general physical parameters and laboratory data were collected and analyzed. Results: A total of 28 patients had initial suspicion of renal artery stenosis, documented via initial dedicated duplex ultrasound of the transplanted kidney. The initial mean systolic BP at initial US was 151 (99–213) mmHg, and mean creatinine was 2.43 (1.28–6.38) mg/dL. However, on repeat duplex ultrasound, three patients showed no features of renal artery stenosis and had no physical parameters consistent with RAS. A total of 25 patients diagnosed with RAS on initial duplex ultrasound underwent angiography. Twenty-four patients were confirmed with RAS on angiography, while one patient had a normal angiogram. Among patients diagnosed with TRAS, the mean resistive index was 0.71 ± 0.17 at the upper pole, 0.73 ± 0.19 at the mid pole, and 0.71 ± 0.21 at the lower pole. The mean peak systolic velocity was 462.57 ± 166.28 cm/s. Conclusions: Duplex ultrasound is an important initial tool for diagnosing transplant renal artery stenosis. An increase in peak systolic velocity was observed in our cohort; however, resistive indices were largely within acceptable limits. Management should be guided by clinical parameters (e.g., elevated systolic BP and rising creatinine) alongside imaging findings. Full article
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