1986 Volume 77 Issue 4 Pages 523-529
An ultrasonic duplex system, a pulsed Doppler flowmeter combined with a real-time B-mode scanner, has been used for the renal transplant blood flow measurement. We report the details of the method to detect transplant vessel echos and to measure these blood flows. Typical Doppler flow patterns from perirenal, renal hilar and intrarenal vessels are showed herein.
Several advantages of the ultrasonic “duplex” system are:
1) We can identify accurately the object from which vessel Doppler signal is issued out. Therefore, we can avoid to mistake the signals of extrarenal vessels for those of intrarenal vessels.
2) Arterial blood flows from the renal hilum, central echo and renal parenchyma can be measured individually. Consequently, intrarenal hemodynamics might be evaluated noninvasively.
3) Doppler signal can be detected far easily by B-mode combined use. Then examination requires neither technical facility and training nor lengthy time.
4) Canine experimental study suggests that parenchymal microcirculation in the renal cortex will be evaluated if the method becomes more sensitive and precise.
5) Renal blood flow volume will be measured quantitatively by this equipment if hilar blood vessel echo can be depicted in B-mode.
In clinical kidney transplantation this apparatus will be useful to investigate the pathophysiological hemodynamics in rejection, post transplant ATN and renal arterial thrombosis.
