The Value of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound versus Doppler Ultrasound in Grading Renal Artery Stenosis

Figure 1

DUS images, CEUS images, and their corresponding DSA images of grade I (stenosis rate: 30%-49%). (a) Color Doppler ultrasound was used to show the long axis section of renal artery. (b) The peak systolic velocity at the stenosed segment of the renal artery was obtained by pulse Doppler ultrasound. (c) Two-dimensional grayscale ultrasound cannot clearly show renal artery stenosis. (d) Contrast-enhanced ultrasound can increase the visualization of renal artery and can be used for the display of grade I renal artery stenosis. (e) Digital subtraction angiography confirms the result of contrast-enhanced ultrasound and shows the diameter of the main renal artery decreased at the stenosed segment in the patient with renal artery stenosis.

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