Procedure
Renal Ultrasound
What it is
A direct look at the kidneys and their blood supply.
Renal ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to image both kidneys — assessing size, contour, parenchymal thickness, the presence of cysts or stones, signs of obstruction, and the patency of the renal arteries with Doppler imaging. It's a noninvasive, radiation-free, in-office study that informs both kidney health and cardiovascular risk: chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease share many drivers, and unrecognized renal artery stenosis is a treatable cause of difficult-to-control hypertension.
Painless, in-office, 20 to 30 minutes.
The exam is performed with the patient lying on the side and back; a water-based gel is applied to the flank and abdomen and a probe captures images of each kidney. Doppler measurements of renal artery flow are added when clinically relevant. The full exam takes about 20 to 30 minutes; Dr. Kedan personally reviews the images and integrates the findings into your overall cardiovascular and metabolic assessment.
Patients where kidney status affects the cardiovascular plan.
Renal ultrasound is particularly useful for patients with difficult-to-control hypertension (especially before age 30 or onset after age 55, raising the question of renovascular disease), reduced kidney function on lab testing, recurrent urinary tract infections, kidney stone history, family history of polycystic kidney disease, and as a baseline study in patients beginning long-term ACE inhibitor or ARB therapy.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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