Doppler parameters in renal transplant dysfunction: correlations with histopathologic changes.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between intrarenal Doppler parameters and histopathologic changes shown on kidney biopsy in renal transplant dysfunction.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 113 patients (61 men and 52 women; age range, 22-76 years; mean age ± SD, 50.9 ± 12.7 years) who underwent both transplanted kidney sonography and biopsy from May 1, 2007, to May 31, 2009. Doppler parameters of the interlobar arteries, including the peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), and resistive index (RI), were compared with kidney biopsy findings. According to histopathologic findings, the 113 patients were divided into two groups: 1, interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy and vascular/glomerular sclerosis (n = 79); and 2, edematous changes in glomeruli without fibrosis (n = 34). The correlations between Doppler parameters and histopathologic findings were statistically analyzed.

Results: There were statistically significant differences in the PSV and EDV of the interlobar arteries between groups 1 and 2. Both the PSV and EDV in group 1 were significantly lower than those in group 2 (P < .001). There was no significant difference in the RI of the interlobar arteries between the two groups (P > .05). There were no significant differences in the PSV, EDV, and RI of the main renal artery between the two groups (all P > .05).

Conclusions: The PSV and EDV of the interlobar artery have statistical correlations with histopathologic types in renal transplant dysfunction. Both the PSV and EDV in interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy and vascular/glomerular sclerosis seem lower than those in glomerulopathy without fibrosis. Hence, the PSV and EDV of the interlobar artery may potentially be used as hemodynamic indicators for monitoring the progress of renal transplants.