Duplex Doppler sonography in the detection of vascular complications in renal allografts

Duplex Doppler sonography is a useful modality for evaluating renal allografts for possible vascular complications. Over an 18-month period, 286 duplex examinations were performed in 72 renal transplant patients. Vascular occlusion was detected in nine patients, for a sensitivity and specificity of 100%. Seven patients had evidence for renal artery stenosis on Doppler studies. Arteriography confirmed significant stenosis in four patients, nonsignificant stenosis in one, kinking of the renal vessels in one, and normal vessels in the remaining patient. One arteriovenous fistula was diagnosed on Doppler US and confirmed on arteriography. Duplex sonography is an appropriate modality for triaging patients for vascular complications of renal transplantation