RadteraUltrasound Renal / Kidneys and Bladder
USNo contrastAbdomen & Pelvis
Indications
- Hematuria
- Renal failure / abnormal creatinine
- Suspected hydronephrosis or obstruction
- Flank pain / suspected stones
- UTI / pyelonephritis evaluation
- Renal mass follow-up
- Pre/post-void residual assessment
Patient prep
- Full bladder preferred for bladder evaluation (drink water, do not void before exam)
- No fasting required
Contrast
None / non-contrast
Technique
- Curvilinear 2-5 MHz transducer
- Supine, decubitus, and prone positions as needed; intercostal/subcostal windows
- Liver and spleen used as acoustic windows for kidneys
- Color/spectral Doppler for resistive index or vascularity if indicated
Series / Sequences
| # | Series / Sequence | Plane | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Right kidney long axis | Long axis | Measure length (normal ~9-12 cm) |
| 2 | Right kidney transverse - upper, mid, lower pole | Transverse | Cortical thickness/echotexture |
| 3 | Left kidney long axis | Long axis | Measure length |
| 4 | Left kidney transverse - upper, mid, lower pole | Transverse | Cortical thickness/echotexture |
| 5 | Cortical echogenicity comparison | Long axis | Compare right kidney to liver, left kidney to spleen |
| 6 | Bladder transverse and long axis | Transverse and sagittal | Wall, jets, calculi; measure volume if pre/post-void requested |
| 7 | Post-void residual (if ordered) | Transverse and sagittal | Bladder volume = L x W x H x 0.52 |
Key points
- Document bilateral renal length and cortical echotexture; assess for hydronephrosis
- Increased cortical echogenicity (greater than liver/spleen) suggests medical renal disease
- Image full and post-void bladder when residual or outlet obstruction is in question
- Add Doppler for suspected renal artery stenosis or vein thrombosis
References
• AIUM/ACR Practice Parameter for the Performance of an Ultrasound Examination of the Abdomen and/or Retroperitoneum (Urologic/Renal)
• ACR Appropriateness Criteria: Renal Failure; Hematuria
• Radiopaedia: Renal ultrasound link
• ACR Appropriateness Criteria: Renal Failure; Hematuria
• Radiopaedia: Renal ultrasound link
Source: Researched — verify against your institution
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Reference template — verify and adapt to your scanner, vendor and institution before clinical use. Not a substitute for clinical judgment.