Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound of the Pediatric Kidneys

Ultrasound has been an important tool for evaluating and imaging renal pathology in children. Development of ultrasound contrast agents and specialized modes on ultrasound machines, for the detection of microbubbles, has given this radiological investigation a new dimension, particularly in children. Those children with renal dysfunction and limitations to cross-sectional imaging are especially suited to an ultrasound examination. Application of contrast-enhanced ultrasound brings conventional ultrasound into a domain historically occupied by computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. This chapter draws on our experience and illustrates the safety and accurate depiction of renal disease and focal renal lesions in the paediatric patient.