Abstract：Objective: To investigate the value of ultrasonic elastography(UE) 5 scores method, strain ratio determination and quantitative analysis in the diagnosis of chronic allograft nephropathy(CAN) after transplantation. Methods: Forty-six patients with renal transplantation were included in the study, including 26 patients with stable renal function(SF group) and 20 patients with chronic allograft nephropathy and renal insufficiency(CAN group). UE 5 scores method, strain rate ratio determination and quantitative analysis were used to analyze differences in and between groups. Result: UE sonography in the CAN group showed almost all green with spotty blue in renal column and pyramid, while the cortex was most or totally blue. UE sonography in the SF group showed green in pyramid and cortex evenly and red in perirenal fat and arcuate arteries. UE 5 scores method showed that all were below 2 scores in SF group, but all were above 2 scores in CAN group, of whom eighty percent(16/20) were equal to or above 3 scores(including 3 scores). There were significant differences in B/A, mean and AREA% between SF and CAN group. Conclusion: UE quantitative analysis techniques can be used for the diagnosis of CAN. It should be a new, non-invasive and convenient imaging method for monitoring renal function.
2014, Vol. 25 
