Contrast-enhanced Ultrasound Parameters for Early Chronic Kidney Diseases and Their Associations with Laboratory Results

Objective To determine the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) for assessing renal blood perfusion changes and severity of early chronic kidney diseases (CKD). Methods The study included 20 patients with clinical diagnosed CKD (grade 1-3) (case group) and fifteen normal adults (control group). They were given real time CEUS, assessing left renal cortex blood perfusion. We identified the time-intensity curve (TIC) parameters that could differentiate participants between the two groups, and tested their correlations with glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), quantity of urinary protein and cystatin C. Results Significant differences were found in rise time (RT), area under the curve (AUC), time from peak to one half, and time to peak (TTP) between the two groups (P< 0.05). eGFR was negatively correlated with all of the four TIC parameters (P<0.05). The quantity of urinary protein was positively correlated with three of the four TIC parameters (except RT). Cystatin C was positively correlated with all of the four TIC parameters (P<0.05). Conclusion CEUS can detect changes of blood flow perfusion in patients with early chronic kidney disease. The perfusion parameters are associated with laboratory results reflecting renal damages.