Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
5.9
3.3
Journals
Diagnostics
Special Issues
Ultrasound in Renal Diseases: A Useful Tool for Diagnostics and...
share announcement

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: 30 June 2026 | Viewed by 5693

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Caterina Carollo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Unit of Nephrology and Dialysis, Hypertension Excellence Centre, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy
Interests: nephrocardiology; chronic renal failure; hypertension
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Diagnostics is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • kidney
  • nephrology
  • ultrasounds
  • radiology

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (4 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Other

14 pages, 4770 KB  
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
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1359
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
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ultrasound in Renal Diseases: A Useful Tool for Diagnostics and Therapy)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 4853 KB  
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
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2078
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
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ultrasound in Renal Diseases: A Useful Tool for Diagnostics and Therapy)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Other

Jump to: Research

3 pages, 1482 KB  
Interesting Images
A Complex Case of Renal Artery Stenosis in a 3-Year-Old Patient with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 and Secondary Hypertension
by Jakub Pytlos, Piotr Majcher, Piotr Skrzypczyk, Rafał Maciąg, Bożena Werner and Mariusz Furmanek
Diagnostics 2026, 16(7), 1047; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16071047 - 31 Mar 2026
Viewed by 355
Abstract
We describe a case of a 3-year-old girl with neurofibromatosis type 1 presenting with arterial hypertension, in whom multimodal vascular imaging identified significant right renal artery stenosis. The patient was successfully treated with percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty; however, post-procedural Doppler ultrasound revealed a [...] Read more.
We describe a case of a 3-year-old girl with neurofibromatosis type 1 presenting with arterial hypertension, in whom multimodal vascular imaging identified significant right renal artery stenosis. The patient was successfully treated with percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty; however, post-procedural Doppler ultrasound revealed a transient vascular fistula. Changes in renal arterial inflow during the procedure may have temporarily altered pressure gradients, facilitating the opening of communication involving pre-existing compensatory collateral vessels. This case illustrates the diagnostic value of multimodal vascular imaging in pediatric hypertension and highlights a rare, self-limiting post-interventional vascular phenomenon. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ultrasound in Renal Diseases: A Useful Tool for Diagnostics and Therapy)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 1982 KB  
Case Report
Isoechoic Renal Tumors: A Case Report and Literature Review
by Nicola Sinatra, Giulio Geraci, Roberto Palumbo, Gaspare Oddo, Giuseppe Zichittella, Emanuele Cirafici, Alessandra Sorce, Giuseppe Mulè and Caterina Carollo
Diagnostics 2026, 16(1), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16010014 - 19 Dec 2025
Viewed by 1417
Abstract
Background and Clinical Significance: Isoechoic renal tumors, defined as masses demonstrating echogenicity similar to normal renal parenchyma, represent a significant diagnostic challenge in contemporary ultrasonographic practice. These lesions, occurring in 5–12% of all renal masses, frequently escape detection on conventional ultrasound, leading [...] Read more.
Background and Clinical Significance: Isoechoic renal tumors, defined as masses demonstrating echogenicity similar to normal renal parenchyma, represent a significant diagnostic challenge in contemporary ultrasonographic practice. These lesions, occurring in 5–12% of all renal masses, frequently escape detection on conventional ultrasound, leading to delayed diagnosis and potentially adverse oncological outcomes. Isoechoic renal tumors encompass both benign and malignant entities, with clear cell renal cell carcinoma representing 65–70% of malignant cases. Conventional ultrasound shows limited sensitivity (48–67%) for detecting isoechoic masses, while contrast-enhanced ultrasound achieves detection rates of 94–98%. Multiparametric MRI and dual-energy CT provide superior characterization, with accuracy rates of 85–92% for differentiating benign from malignant lesions. Case Presentation: We describe the case of an 80-year-old male in whom a 2.4 cm isoechoic renal mass was incidentally detected during abdominal ultrasound performed for chronic kidney disease monitoring. Contrast-enhanced CT confirmed a solid, hypervascular lesion with wash-out characteristics. Given the patient’s age, comorbidities, and tumor characteristics, multidisciplinary evaluation led to an active surveillance strategy. At 6-month follow-up, the lesion remained stable. Conclusions: Isoechoic renal tumors require multimodal diagnostic approaches and individualized management strategies. Emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence-enhanced ultrasound systems and radiomic-based decision support tools, are undergoing clinical validation and may improve detection and characterization. Investigational approaches such as liquid biopsy and novel PET tracers targeting carbonic anhydrase IX are in early development. Translation of these technologies into clinical practice will require prospective validation, standardization of protocols, and demonstration of cost-effectiveness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ultrasound in Renal Diseases: A Useful Tool for Diagnostics and Therapy)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-4
Back to TopTop