Diagnostic Challenges in Kidney Transplantation

The growing success of renal transplantation around the world in the treatment of chronic renal failure has increased the significance of imaging in evaluating the transplanted kidney. Accurate interpretation of imaging studies plays a crucial role in the evaluation of renal grafts, the monitoring of developing pathology and the treatment of complications. Ultrasound, in particular, has proven to be an integral part of the burgeoning success of renal transplantation and subsequent monitoring. The role of imaging, especially ultrasound in detecting and evaluating complications of the parenchyma, vasculature, collecting system and ureter are discussed here with special attention to percutaneous transplant biopsy.

Keywords: Ultrasound, Renal Transplantation, Transplant Rejection, Transplant Complications, Lymphocele, Fluid Collection, Renal Vein Thrombosis, Renal Artery Thrombosis, Delayed Graft Function, Renal Cyst.