Ultrasound of the Upper Urinary Tract

Radiol Clin North Am. 2025 Jan;63(1):57-82. doi: 10.1016/j.rcl.2024.09.002. Epub 2024 Oct 7.

Abstract

Ultrasound (US) plays a primary role in the assessment and diagnosis of renal and ureteral pathologies and their management. It is considered the first-line imaging modality for evaluation of urinary obstruction, nephrolithiasis, and urinary retention among other indications. US is also essential for evaluation of renal vasculature and assessment of renal transplantation. Contrast-enhanced US is an advanced application of US gaining its acceptance in evaluation of the renal masses.

Keywords: Chronic renal disease; Doppler ultrasound; Renal contrast-enhanced ultrasound; Renal cyst; Renal elastography; Renal mass; Sonography; Upper genitourinary infection.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Contrast Media
  • Humans
  • Kidney / blood supply
  • Kidney / diagnostic imaging
  • Ultrasonography* / methods
  • Ureter / diagnostic imaging
  • Urinary Tract / diagnostic imaging
  • Urologic Diseases / diagnostic imaging

Substances

  • Contrast Media