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What Modalities Are Used in an Ultrasound for PKD?

The genetic disease known as polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is hard to spot before considerable, even fatal damage, has been done to the kidneys. Diagnosing the disease as quickly as possible is key to treatment and recovery. According to WebMD.com, the very serious forms of kidney disease requires the involvement of a variety of modalities. Polycystic kidney disease, in particular, is characterized by the growth of cysts in the kidneys, which can impede function and even damage these and surrounding organs.

  1. Modalities Used In PKD

    • According to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse, treatment of this disease is generally only for support of the patient, as well as pain management. There is no absolute cure at this point in time. However, the earlier the disease is caught--and thus the importance of ultrasound imaging, which can be done in real time with no harmful effects for the patient--the better chance disability and surgery can be prevented.

    Using Ultrasound for PKD

    • One way to verify whether or not the patient is afflicted is by using an ultrasound to determine the condition of their kidneys. Ultrasounds produce three-dimensional images by bouncing high-frequency broadband sound waves off of internal organs. Since it is very easy to detect this kind of disease with the use of ultrasonography, it is the go-to method for ascertaining whether or not the person is afflicted with PKD.

    Benefits of Ultrasound for Polycystic Kidney Disease

    • A benefit of ultrasound is its relative affordability as an imaging modality compared to other techniques, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and X-ray computed tomography (CT). Because of these particular characteristics, the ultrasound is a particularly flexible instrument, as well as an excellent tool for collecting data for research and other academic purposes.

      With a condition like PKD, time is of the essence. The speed, comparative affordability and low-risk application of ultrasounds make it an excellent choice for the potential PKD victim. MRI and CT scans are effective as well, but conclusive research demonstrating just how much has yet to be completed.

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