Role of ultrasound in kidney transplant follow-up: early evaluation of vascular, urological, and parenchymal complications

Abstract

Ultrasound is the first-line imaging modality for monitoring the transplanted kidney due to its safety, repeatability,and ability to detect vascular, urological, and parenchymal complications at an early stage. In addition, its widespread availability and lack of ionizing radiation make it an indispensable tool in the follow-up of kidney transplant recipients. The integration of Doppler ultrasound enables hemodynamic assessment of the renal artery and vein, allowing the timely detection of stenosis, thrombosis, and perfusion abnormalities. Ultrasound also plays a key role in the diagnosis of perirenal fluid collections, lymphoceles, urinomas, and hydronephrosis, thereby contributing to clinical management and therapeutic decision-making. Although it does not replace advanced imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound remains essential for routine follow-up and the dynamic assessment of graft function.