Elastographic Imaging of Renal Transplants

Pilot Study to Define Parameters of Elastography Compared to Color Flow Doppler Ultrasound in Renal Transplants

The study was developed to acquire images of normal, then abnormal, then unknown diagnosis for transplanted kidneys in order to determine whether the elastography imaging modality, a type of ultrasound imaging, can provide data useful for diagnosis of renal transplant abnormalities.

The specific aims of this study are:

1. To define normal elastography imaging by correlation with clinical findings.
2. To define specific abnormal elastography images by correlation with clinical findings.
3. To determine whether elastography could be useful in early diagnosis of abnormalities of renal transplants, especially in early rejection.

The study is collecting standard ultrasound and elastographic images of transplanted kidneys in order to perfect the imaging technique to get the best pictures, and to evaluate these images for characteristics that may be of diagnostic value.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adult (over 18) male or female renal transplant patient
• normally functioning
• or being evaluated for a possible problem

Exclusion Criteria:

• unwilling or unable to give informed consent