Renal vascular resistance in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of color duplex Doppler ultrasonography in the assessment of renal vascular resistance (RVR) by measuring resistive indices (RIs) and pulsatility indices (PIs) in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), and to correlate the measured values with renal function and the presence of arterial hypertension.Material and Methods: In 42 patients with ADPKD and 65 control subjects, RIs and PIs were measured by means of color duplex Doppler sonography and correlated with clinical and laboratory findings and with morphological abnormalities at B-mode ultrasonography.Results: Mean RI in the control subjects was 0.59 ± 0.03 (± SD) and in the patients 0.71 ± 0.11, (p < 0.01). Mean PI in the controls was 1.00 ± 0.11 and in the patients 1.69 ± 0.21, (p < 0.01). Elevated RIs and PIs heralded a progression of ADPKD. Doppler indices correlated significantly with renal function tests and morphological changes in the affected kidneys...