[Innovative Ultrasound: Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound of the Kidneys]

Ultrasound examination of the kidneys with grey-scale imaging and colour Doppler ultrasound is the most common renal imaging modality. A few years ago, contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) emerged as a non-invasive perfusion imaging modality to evaluate the renal vessels and microvascularisation. These contrast media contain intravenous microbubbles (sulfur hexafluoride), which have no deleterious effect on renal function. Being free of iodine, they also pose no risk for the thyroid gland. CEUS of the kidneys is mainly used for the evaluation of renal cysts and the analysis of renal lesions suspicious for malignancy. Also this method is used to visualise inflammation as well as renal perfusion after trauma or infarction.