Currently, ultrasound is one of the safest and most informative methods of instrumental diagnostics. However, until recently, it was impossible to assess the degree of functioning of the blood vessels serving the organ in the study process. As a result, the Doppler method was developed. With it, doctors were able to assess not only the state of soft tissues, but also the degree of saturation of the organ with oxygen and nutrient components. Very often, for the diagnosis of various pathologies, ultrasound dopplerography of the vessels of the kidneys is prescribed . USDG allows you to identify the pathological process at the earliest stage of its development and take timely measures to stop it.
The essence of the method
During the diagnosis, the required area is irradiated with ultrasonic waves. If the object is stationary, the reflected echo has the same frequency as the original. This indicator changes if the detected body moves relative to the sensor. If it is closer, then the frequency is greater, further - less. It is the change between the initial wave and the reflected echo signal that is commonly called the Doppler shift.
The difference directly depends on how fast the objects move. In this case, red blood cells act as mobile bodies. It is on the speed of their movement that the method is based.
What allows you to identify
During the study, the doctor can fully assess the functioning of the body, as well as its veins and arteries.
Dopplerography of the vessels of the kidneys allows you to analyze the following indicators:
- fluid connective tissue velocity;
- blood flow density;
- degree of patency of the renal veins and arteries.
Also, with the help of Doppler, a doctor can easily detect the presence of atherosclerotic plaques and blood clots.
Thus, the method allows timely detection of the development of the pathological process.
Indications
Ultrasound of the kidneys with dopplerography of the vessels of the kidneys is prescribed in order to assess the dynamics of changes in previously diagnosed pathologies. In addition, the procedure is indicated for patients who first came to the doctor with complaints.
Dopplerography of the vessels of the kidneys is prescribed in the presence of the following alarming symptoms:
- Discomfort and pain in the lumbar region, which are regular.
- Severe swelling of the face and limbs.
- Frequent episodes of renal colic.
- The presence of blood impurities in the urine.
- An increase in the number of leukocytes and protein in urine.
- Disorders of the organs of the cardiovascular system against the background of a high diastolic pressure.
- Suspected kidney damage to blood vessels after injury.
- Hypertension of any etiology.
- Vasculitis.
- Diabetes.
- Suspicion of the development of a malignant process.
In addition, ultrasound dopplerography of the vessels of the kidneys is indicated for pregnant women suffering from toxicosis in recent months. The procedure is also carried out in persons with abnormalities of the development of the organ, which can be either congenital or acquired.
Mandatory ultrasound is prescribed to people who have undergone kidney transplantation. Based on the results of the study, the doctor can judge the success of the operation.
Preparation
The presence of gases in the intestine significantly complicates the diagnostic process. Preparation for dopplerography of the vessels of the kidneys is to get rid of the vesicles.
To do this, observe the following rules:
- 2 days before the procedure, you need to make adjustments to the diet. The patient must adhere to a diet based on the exclusion of foods that increase gas formation. These include: cabbage (of all kinds), milk, kefir, legumes, bakery and confectionery products, thermally unprocessed vegetables and fruits, chocolate, coffee, carbonated drinks.
- In 3 days you need to start taking sorbents. Dosage regimen: 2 tablets three times a day. Against the background of taking these drugs, gas formation is significantly reduced. As a rule, doctors prescribe the following drugs: Espumisan, Activated Carbon, Filtrum.
- The study is carried out on an empty stomach. The last meal should take place at least 8 hours before Doppler. In addition, drinking water is also not recommended. If the study is planned in the afternoon, a light breakfast is acceptable. However, food is allowed in this case to take at least 6 hours before the procedure.
- For several days, you must stop taking the medication. If this is not possible for health reasons, you should inform your doctor about this. Cancellation is not carried out if the patient has coronary heart disease, arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus and other serious pathologies.
Dopplerography of the vessels of the kidneys is not performed after colonoscopy and FGDS. This is due to the fact that in the process of diagnosis a large amount of gas enters the intestine. As a result, the doctor loses the ability to evaluate the functioning of the vessels of the kidneys. Doppler ultrasound is performed a few days after the above studies.
Procedure
Diagnosis does not take a lot of time from the patient. As a rule, the duration of the procedure is no more than half an hour.
Algorithm for Dopplerography of the vessels of the kidneys:
- The patient removes clothes from the upper torso.
- The subject is placed on the couch and turns on its side.
- The doctor applies gel to the sensor, providing good contact between the device and the skin.
- The specialist moves the tool over the desired area of the body. All reflected waves are captured by the sensor and converted into an image. His doctor sees on the monitor. Moreover, all pictures are dynamic and allow you to evaluate the work of the kidneys and blood vessels in real time.
The procedure is not associated with the occurrence of pain. Doppler ultrasound is a non-invasive method, in connection with which the patient immediately after receiving a conclusion can begin his daily activities.
Norm indicators
In people with healthy kidneys, the results of the study should be as follows:
- The paired organ has a bean-like shape.
- The rate of mobility in the process of breathing is not more than 3 cm.
- The edges of the outer contour of the organ are smooth and clear.
- Both kidneys are the same size. Deviation up to 2 cm is not pathological.
- The system of the pelvis and calyx is not visible. This area becomes anechogenic with a full bladder.
- The right kidney is located slightly lower than the left.
- The echo density index of the pyramids is less than that of the parenchyma.
- Normal anteroposterior size of the organ is not more than 15 mm.
- The echogenicity of the kidneys and liver is the same.
If in conclusion the concepts of “Bertin's pillars” and “partial hypertrophy of the cortex” are indicated, no need to be afraid. These conditions are a variant of the norm and do not require immediate medical attention.
Where to do
Diagnostics can be done both in a private and public medical institution. Currently, most clinics are equipped with modern equipment. The procedure is carried out by highly qualified specialists who, if necessary, will help to decipher the results of Dopplerography.
Information regarding the provision of services must be obtained directly from the registry of the medical institution. To visit a private clinic, it is enough to pre-register by phone. As for budgetary institutions, initially it is necessary to draw up a referral for diagnosis by a therapist.
Cost
The research price directly depends on the region of residence, the level of the medical institution and the qualifications of specialists. For example, in Rostov, dopplerography of the vessels of the kidneys in children and adults will cost about 1000-1200 rubles. In Moscow, the cost of the study is slightly higher. The average price in the capital is 2000 rubles. In Kazan, dopplerography of the vessels of the kidneys costs about 1000 rubles. In the Far East, prices are lower. For example, in Vladivostok, the diagnosis will cost 800 rubles.
Finally
Dopplerography of blood vessels is a modern method that allows you to assess the degree of functioning of the veins and arteries that feed the organ under study. The appropriateness of his appointment is determined by the doctor on the basis of existing complaints and medical history. Using dopplerography, it is possible to detect the development of a pathological process even at an early stage. In order for the diagnostic results to be as informative as possible, it is necessary to prepare for it. It is important to make adjustments to the diet and stop taking medications.