Contrast enhanced ultrasound of kidneys. Pictorial essay.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound has entered the imaging mainstream in the last few years. It is a safe technique with exquisite temporal and spatial resolution and is especially useful for evaluating focal renal mass lesions in patients with renal impairment when iodinated or gadolinium contrast agents are contraindicated. The purpose of this manuscript is to briefly describe our technique, show the normal renal haemodynamics of ultrasound contrast agent and demonstrate a spectrum of renal masses and possible pitfalls.