An Innovative Ultrasound Technique for Early Detection of Kidney Dysfunction: Superb Microvascular Imaging as a Reference Standard.

Background: Superb microvascular imaging (SMI) is an innovative ultrasound image processing technique that provides greater detail and better visualization of small branching vessels. We assume that SMI will provide sufficient information regarding the severity of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and reflecting histological changes.

Aims: The aims was to assess the capabilities of SMI imaging regarding the early detection of kidney dysfunction and renal fibrosis in comparison to the reference standard renal biopsy for the early diagnosis of kidney fibrosis.