ABSTRACT
Introduction Ultrasound is established as the cornerstone of diagnosis in many conditions affecting the kidney. It is the investigation of first choice for renal failure, renal mass lesions, renal infections and diffuse parenchymal renal disease. Ultrasound is also of value in the investigation of renal colic, hematuria, abdominal trauma and congenital abnormalities, inherited cystic renal disease and renal vascular disease. Advances in computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have altered the investigative pathway for renal disease, particularly, for example, in renal colic and in trauma management, but ultrasound remains a cost-effective primary investigation for a wide variety of disorders affecting the kidney.
