Can real-time ultrasonography replace static B-scanning in the diagnosis of renal obstruction?

Abstract

Two hundred consecutive patients were evaluated for renal obstruction using static B-scanning and high resolution real-time scanning. The overall diagnostic accuracy was 93% for the static B-scanner and 94% for the real-time unit, with a false positive diagnostic rate of 8% for each. Because of its greater flexibility and shorter scanning time, real-time can replace static B-scanning in the diagnosis of renal obstruction. It has also become the preferred method of guidance for interventional uroradiological procedures. The pitfalls of real time scanning in evaluating renal obstruction are also discussed.