Abstract
This chapter shall describe, illustrate, and discuss the use of imaging studies in the management of renal transplant recipients, and the role of the radiologist in the diagnosis and treatment of common and important problems that may develop in these patients. Although ultrasound remains the first-line imaging modality, there has been continued development and improvement in other noninvasive imaging modalities. Given the complexity of the imaging options and possible complications specific to this population, consultation with a subspecialist radiologist can facilitate decision-making with regard to optimal cost-effective imaging. Additionally, interventional radiologists can assist in the minimally invasive management of problems such as fluid collections and vascular and urologic complications using percutaneous and endovascular approaches. The first part of the chapter describes the different imaging modalities and their general applications, followed by a compilation of frequently encountered and important complications of renal transplantation and the specific role of different imaging studies in diagnosis and management.
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Ultrasound
Ultrasound (US) is the most frequently used imaging technique in renal transplantation. The superficial location of the renal transplant in the iliac fossa allows access for high-resolution ultrasound imaging. Gray scale evaluation of renal transplant morphology includes evaluation of the size, corticomedullary differentiation, and echotexture of the allograft, as well as detection of hydronephrosis, stone or mass, and postoperative complications such as fluid collections or hematomas. Morphologically, the transplanted kidney has similar imaging characteristics as the native kidney (Fig. 32.1a), though corticomedullary differentiation and vasculature are better seen in most patients. Once transplanted, there is compensatory hypertrophy of the allograft, which grows by approximately 40 % within 6 months following transplantation [1]. The collecting system of the normal transplant may be mildly dilated due to increased volume of urine produced by the sole functioning kidney and possibly due to minor reflux at the ureterovesical anastomosis [2]. The bladder is also evaluated.
Morphologic evaluation is supplemented by color/power and duplex Doppler evaluation for parenchymal blood flow and patency of the renal arteries (single or multiple) and veins (Fig. 32.1b–d). Doppler ultrasound is an ideal initial modality for the detection and evaluation of vascular complications such as thrombosis, stenosis, or arteriovenous fistulae. Pediatric en bloc transplants are technically more challenging because of the smaller size of the renal arteries and veins (Fig. 32.2a, b). Normal Doppler arterial waveforms consist of continuous antegrade flow throughout the cardiac cycle with low resistance diastolic flow (Fig. 32.3). Abnormal intrarenal arterial resistance can be quantified by calculation of indices such as the resistive index (RI) and the pulsatility index (Fig. 32.3). While both indices reflect altered hemodynamics, the resistive index (RI) is the most commonly used. Normal resistive index ranges from 0.65 to 0.70 [3, 4]. RI values depend on local vascular status rather than renal function, and measurements are neither very sensitive nor specific [5, 6]. Causes of increased intrarenal resistive index include rejection, acute tubular necrosis (ATN), hydronephrosis, and vascular thrombosis. Though nonspecific for diagnosis, elevated RI values after transplantation have been shown to be associated with poor allograft and patient survival [7].
Research is ongoing in the evaluation of contrast-enhanced ultrasound using microbubble contrast agents, which is performed regularly outside of the United States, and has shown promise in the evaluation of renal transplant perfusion [8], specifically as a potential noninvasive means in the differentiation of acute rejection versus ATN as the cause of delayed graft function [9]. However, at this time, ultrasound cannot distinguish the causes of graft dysfunction, and biopsy remains the standard for diagnosis.
Ultrasound is a real-time, rapidly performed modality that is widely available and relatively cheap. It can be performed at the bedside, as is often required, and does not use ionizing radiation or nephrotoxic contrast. Limitations include suboptimal visualization in patients with large body habitus and extensive intestinal gas. Additionally, the quality of ultrasound examinations is dependent upon the technical skills and experience of the operator. Ultrasound is highly sensitive in the detection of hydronephrosis, fluid collections, and vascular complications. It is also an excellent modality for guidance during interventional procedures, such as biopsy (Fig. 32.4), aspiration or drainage of fluid collections, and access for antegrade pyelography or percutaneous nephrostomy placement.
Computed Tomography
Computed tomography (CT) utilizes ionizing radiation to produce cross-sectional images with high spatial resolution. In general, computed tomography can be performed in the preoperative assessment of potential recipients and postoperatively for symptoms and signs outside of the renal transplant, e.g., fever, leukocytosis, or gastrointestinal complaints. An optimal CT examination requires iodinated contrast administered orally and intravenously. However, iodinated intravascular contrast may cause contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in patients with preexisting renal impairment and diabetes, and its use should be judicious in renal transplant recipients [10, 11]. Elevation in serum creatinine after the use of contrast agents within the early postoperative period is likely multifactorial, with contributory causes including ATN, rejection, cyclosporine toxicity, and dehydration. Prehydration prior to the CT study decreases the risk of contrast nephrotoxicity but does not eliminate it [10]. Although never specifically or adequately evaluated in the renal transplant population, other prophylactic measures such as administration of the antioxidant acetylcysteine are employed by many clinicians in hopes of preventing or reducing the nephrotoxicity of contrast agents.
In the immediate postoperative period, restoration of renal function may be delayed and it is therefore our practice to withhold intravenous contrast until renal function is adequate, or the use of vascular contrast considered absolutely necessary. A stable serum creatinine below 1.5–2.0 mmol/mL [1.5–2.0 mg/dL] or eGFR above 60 mL/min is a general cutoff for administering intravenous contrast media unless clinical urgency dictates the need for contrast-enhanced studies. When indicated, a reduced dose of iodinated contrast may be used. For most postoperative indications such as fever, pain, and diarrhea, an adequate CT study can be obtained without intravenous contrast but preferably with oral contrast. Alternatively, a magnetic resonance study may be substituted, as is discussed later.
CT is excellent for detection and anatomic localization of fluid collections and for guidance of interventional procedures. Transplant biopsies may also be performed using CT guidance instead of ultrasound for deep or less accessible allografts. A non-contrast CT scan may be useful in evaluating for stones in the native kidney or renal allograft and ureters.
Multidetector CT cystography has become the standard technique for evaluation of traumatic bladder injuries and is now standard at our institution for evaluation of bladder leaks after renal transplantation [12–14]. After a pre-contrast image acquisition, approximately 250–300 mL of diluted iodinated contrast is infused through a Foley catheter and another series of images is obtained when the bladder is distended. CT cystography is highly sensitive to small leaks and 3D multiplanar reformations increase diagnostic confidence. In parallel, CT nephrostography is extremely useful for the diagnosis of ureteral leaks and strictures but requires the prior placement of a percutaneous nephrostomy tube.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a very versatile modality. MRI can be performed in multiple planes, does not use ionizing radiation, and has high contrast resolution, making it more sensitive than CT to pathologic change within tissues. The use of varying pulse sequences enables tissue characterization (such as fluid, fat, and hematoma) and differentiation of fluid collections. Masses in the allograft and native kidneys or other sites are readily evaluated. MR can detect flowing blood in major vessels without the use of iodinated contrast. In the past, gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) were considered preferential to iodinated intravascular contrast material in the evaluation of patients with renal failure. GBCAs increased image resolution and improved detection of small vessels allowing the acquisition of high quality angiographic images noninvasively, with a lack of nephrotoxicity [15]. However, current awareness of the association of GBCAs with nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) in patients with reduced renal function has significantly impacted the use of GBCAs, requiring careful screening of patients at risk and tailoring of examinations to maximize useful information while minimizing exposure.
Non-contrast-dependent angiographic techniques based on fast spin-echo, gradient-echo, phase-contrast, and inversion-recovery principles have been developed or maximized to assess the renal transplant vasculature, including ECG-gated 3D non-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) performed with selective inversion-prepared fast imaging with steady state free-precession (TrueFISP). This has been shown to depict the renal transplant arteries comparable to contrast-enhanced MRA [16, 17], and is used most commonly at our institution. When contrast-enhanced MRI is unavoidable, the dose and type of GBCA should be carefully selected to minimize risk, as recent studies have shown that when restrictive GBCA administration guidelines based on glomerular filtration rate (GFR) are followed, the incidence of developing NSF significantly decreases [18].
Functional MRI of renal allografts is a field of active research. MR techniques such as contrast-enhanced perfusion imaging, diffusion-weighted imaging, BOLD (blood oxygen level-dependent) imaging, and arterial spin labeling are available to measure perfusion, blood oxygen level, and GFR [19–22]. This has great potential in the noninvasive diagnosis of transplant dysfunction. Newer techniques such as MR elastography which measures tissue stiffness may in future play a role in the detection and quantification of fibrosis [23]. Diffusion-weighted imaging has become increasingly useful in the detection and staging of cancer with future potential in tissue characterization and grading of neoplasms and lymphadenopathy [24].
MRI is contraindicated in patients with most pacemakers and some metallic implants such as intracranial aneurysm clips and heart valves. Patients with claustrophobia may be unable to tolerate MRI despite sedation. Other disadvantages of MRI include the cost, availability, and relative length of the studies. Many of the newer sequences are breath held and require patient cooperation. Artifacts from surgical clips and stents may degrade image quality and cause spurious stenoses [25, 26].
Nuclear Scintigraphy
Nuclear scintigraphic renal studies are of value for the assessment of renal allograft function. For many years, technetium 99m pentetate (DTPA) was the most frequently used radiopharmaceutical for evaluation of renal allografts. In the last decade, this agent has been replaced by technetium 99m mertiatide (MAG3). Technetium 99m MAG3 is an agent that undergoes predominantly tubular secretion, and is a more efficient imaging agent than technetium DTPA. Images are obtained over the kidney immediately after the intravenous injection of technetium MAG3 to assess perfusion of the transplant, with development of perfusion parameters for quantitative evaluation [27]. Normal, decreased, or absent allograft renal blood flow may be calculated by comparison of the intensity of radiotracer activity over the kidney with the adjacent aorta or iliac blood vessels. GFR and effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) may be calculated. However, serial studies are often necessary in the determination of abnormal renal perfusion and ideally, a baseline MAG3 study is obtained within several days of the transplantation. Study quality may be compromised by poor hydration, and evaluation of the transplant may also be limited by uptake and secretion of MAG3 within the native kidneys if these remain partially functional.
Renal transplant vascular complications may be identified during the perfusion phase of technetium MAG3 studies although these abnormalities are more optimally evaluated and detected with Doppler ultrasound techniques.
Delayed scintigraphic imaging of the renal transplant is obtained after 30 min. The secretion of MAG3 into the renal collecting system, ureter, and bladder is measured and imaged. MAG3 studies remain very helpful for the detection of urinary leak and ureteral obstruction that most often occur at the anastomosis of the transplant ureter to the recipient bladder. MAG3 studies may also be helpful in the detection of vesico-ureteric reflux. This complication is frequently seen in transplanted kidneys due to the absence of a sphincter at the ureterovesical junction. Radiotracer intensity over the ureter and kidney may alternate over time due to periodic reflux of radiotracer-labeled urine from the bladder into the ureter and renal pelvis.
Isotope renography can be used to investigate renal dysfunction. In ATN, perfusion is normal but excretion is delayed and decreased. With rejection both perfusion and excretion are abnormal. However since other causes of graft dysfunction may have a similar picture, isotope renography is not of major value for the detection of rejection in transplant kidneys.
Interventional Radiology
While conventional catheter-based angiography remains the gold standard for the diagnosis of arteriovenous fistulae, pseudoaneurysms, and renal artery or vein stenosis, in practice, vascular abnormalities are usually initially detected by Doppler ultrasound and may be confirmed by MR or CT angiography. Instead, conventional angiography with digital subtraction techniques is reserved for confirmation of suspected abnormalities immediately prior to percutaneous transcatheter interventions such as angioplasty and stent placement in transplant artery stenosis or embolization of a fistula [28, 29]. Allograft arterial and venous thrombosis is usually diagnosed by ultrasound and the role of interventional radiology is limited to mechanical thrombectomy and catheter-directed thrombolysis in select cases [30, 31].
The limitations of conventional angiography include the relative invasiveness and the required use of nephrotoxic iodinated intravascular contrast media. To limit the nephrotoxicity of administered iodinated contrast, catheter-based angiography can be performed using low doses of low- or iso-osmolar contrast material [32], possibly in conjunction with carbon dioxide gas, which has been used as a sole intravascular agent but has poor image contrast [33, 34]. Although GBCAs have historically been used as intra-arterial angiographic contrast agents, given the emergence of NSF and the relatively high doses needed for equivalent radio-opacity, they are no longer acceptable in patients with renal dysfunction [32].
Interventional radiologists play an invaluable role in the postoperative management of transplant-related complications by performing endovascular treatment, percutaneous urinary intervention, and abscess or fluid drainage [32, 35–37], as will be addressed later under the specific complication.
Radiography
There is a limited role for abdominal radiography, limited to evaluation of stents, foreign bodies, renal calculi, and bowel complications. Chest radiography is widely used postoperatively.
Pre-transplant Work-up
Patients with long-standing renal disease often have many comorbidities which can affect graft and patient survival. Given the high demand for, and shortage of, donated kidneys, pre-transplant screening plays an important role in detecting coexisting illnesses and to evaluate feasibility of transplantation. This evaluation typically includes complete history and physical examination, with appropriate laboratory testing and up-to-date preventative health measures including colonoscopy and/or mammograms [38]. Basic radiologic imaging, including chest radiograph and abdominal ultrasound, is usually performed with more advanced imaging dictated by historical or clinical factors.
In many centers, preoperative contrast-enhanced CT arteriography (CTA) of the abdomen and pelvis is obtained in potential recipients. Selection criteria include age >50, chronic renal disease caused by diabetes and hypertension, known history of atherosclerosis or identification of atherosclerotic calcifications on radiography, or prior transplantation [39]. Important considerations include potential need for pre-transplant nephrectomy; evaluation for preexisting renal cell carcinoma or other malignancy, particularly in the dialysis population; and evaluation for sufficient atherosclerotic plaque-free patent vasculature for vascular anastomoses. In patients already on dialysis, normal dose contrast-enhanced CTA is performed. For patients who are predialysis, the risk of CIN can be lessened by hydration, before and after contrast administration [11, 40–42]. A recent study using 50–60 % of the standard dose of contrast for CTA with pre- and post-procedural hydration did not result in development of CIN in patients not yet on dialysis [43]. Additionally, at our institution, we are evaluating the potential of low kV (80 kV) CT scanning to potentiate lower doses of intravenous contrast (less than half the standard dose of 100 cc). Oral contrast is not administered as the high density interferes with volume rendering and creation of 3D reconstructions used for evaluation and presurgical mapping of vascular calcification.
Additionally, using CT, the native urinary tract can be assessed to determine need for concurrent nephrectomy (i.e., polycystic kidneys) or the presence of malignancy, given increased risk of renal cell carcinoma in the long-term dialysis-dependent patient [44].
Post-transplant Imaging Evaluation
The use of routine postoperative imaging is institution dependent. Common indications for imaging are absent or decreased urine output, delayed graft function, rising or persistently elevated creatinine, fever, pain over the allograft, or drop in hematocrit. Hypertension or hematuria may also prompt imaging evaluation. Patients with delayed graft function may have baseline imaging studies prior to discharge, which can be useful for comparison when follow-up studies are obtained. Ultrasound is the most commonly performed modality due to its unique advantages previously described. However CT, scintigraphy, and MR are complementary modalities in the radiologic armamentarium.
Complications After Renal Transplantation
Immediate complications, occurring in the first week, are mostly related to the surgical procedure and include renal artery or vein thrombosis, hemorrhage, and ureteral edema. Nonsurgical complications consist mainly of ATN and acute rejection. Early complications occur between 1 week and 1 month and include acute rejection, urinary leak, infection, fluid collections, and vascular thrombosis. After 1 month, lymphoceles, acute or chronic rejection, ureteral strictures, renal artery stenosis, infection, cyclosporine toxicity, recurrence of renal pathology, and neoplasms form the bulk of problems likely to be encountered. Overall, the most common complications are perinephric fluid collections which occur in up to 50 % of recipients [45, 46]. General complications relating to abdominal surgery are also encountered and include postoperative ileus, bowel obstruction, venous thromboembolic disease, and infections (systemic, pulmonary, renal, or bowel in origin). CT is the most useful imaging study when searching for infection or in patients with nonspecific chest or abdominal symptoms. Ultrasound is the study of choice for extremity deep venous thrombosis but is limited in the upper mediastinum or pelvis. For suspected thoracic, pelvic, or inferior vena cava thrombus, CT with contrast or MRI is the preferred modality. Multidetector CT pulmonary arteriography is the study of choice for pulmonary embolism.
Parenchymal Complications
Parenchymal complications include rejection, acute or chronic, delayed graft function, and calcineurin inhibitor toxicity. Time of onset of graft dysfunction and measurement of calcineurin inhibitor levels may be diagnostically helpful in distinguishing these complications. However in the majority of cases with elevation of serum creatinine or decreased urine output, ultrasound with Doppler is essential to exclude vascular and urologic complications.
Rejection
Since the development of more effective perioperative multidrug immunosuppressive therapies as well as the essential elimination of hyperacute rejection with modern cross matching techniques, rejection occurs less often in the first week after surgery. However, rejection remains a frequent cause of allograft dysfunction after that time and has a cardinal impact on patient and graft survival.
Despite early claims that altered transplant echogenicity, increased corticomedullary differentiation, and other subtle gray scale changes were predictive of acute rejection, it is now generally agreed that there are no specific gray scale sonographic characteristics of acute rejection [47, 48]. Allograft swelling and elevated resistive index (RI values > 0.8) or absent diastolic flow on Doppler arterial evaluation may be observed at sonography (Fig. 32.5a, b), but these findings are neither sensitive nor specific in the acute setting [49–52]. In one study, more than 50 % of allografts with biopsy-proven rejection had normal RIs of 0.7 or less [52]. The problem is that the RI is calculated in larger arteries, such as the interlobar or arcuate artery, and is interpreted as indirect evidence of disease at the capillary level. Unfortunately, there is susceptibility to error resulting from the effect of systemic disease, such as atherosclerosis, and renal artery stenosis [53]. Since acute rejection of a kidney graft primarily involves the subcapsular capillaries, early and detailed evaluation of blood flow in this area is highly desirable [54].
Continued technical developments in US imaging and the introduction of ultrasound-specific contrast medium (microbubbles) have shown promise for the assessment and quantification of microvascular perfusion. Several studies have shown direct correlation of delayed parenchymal perfusion with pathologically proven rejection, compared to perfusion dynamics seen in patients with normal function or ATN [53–55]. However, more research needs to be done, and until ultrasound contrast medium is approved for use in the US, this work remains “in progress” [8, 9]. Therefore, at this time, the main value of ultrasound in acute transplant dysfunction is to identify ureteric obstruction or vascular complications such as ischemia or thrombosis as the underlying cause. If these potential causes of allograft dysfunction have been excluded, percutaneous biopsy with sonographic guidance is usually performed to determine the specific etiology (Fig. 32.4). Nuclear scintigraphy, CT, and MRI are not of value in this setting.
Chronic Rejection
Chronic rejection is one of the most common causes of renal allograft failure [56]. It may present after a few months, and usually is detected because of elevated serum creatinine, often with proteinuria. Ultrasound is performed to exclude structural causes of dysfunction. The allograft may be normal in size on ultrasound, but over time is likely to become progressively atrophic. A thin hyperechoic cortex with sparing of the medullary pyramids may be seen in advanced cases. As with acute rejection, Doppler arterial waveforms may be normal. However in a recent study, Doppler arterial resistive index measurements above 0.8 in a segmental branch on a single occasion more than 3 months after transplantation have been shown to be predictive of eventual graft failure [7]. Chronic rejection may be difficult to differentiate from acute rejection and cyclosporine toxicity on the basis of ultrasound findings, and unless the allograft is atrophic and calcified (Fig. 32.5d), with decreased color flow, percutaneous biopsy using sonographic guidance is usually performed to determine the cause.
Delayed Graft Function/Acute Tubular Necrosis
ATN is the most common cause of delayed graft function in the first week after surgery. Imaging is generally performed to exclude other causes of poor graft function as there are no specific imaging characteristics of ATN. Allograft swelling and elevated resistive index may be observed at sonography, but are nonspecific. As mentioned previously in the rejection section, contrast-enhanced ultrasound allows for assessment of the allograft microperfusion, and several studies have shown abnormal perfusion dynamics in patients with biopsy-proven ATN, compared to normal early graft function and acute rejection [9, 53]. Although the early results are interesting, more research is required, and biopsy remains the diagnostic gold standard [8]. At nuclear scintigraphy, relative preservation of perfusion with impaired clearance of tracer is noted [57, 58].
Vascular Complications
Up to 3 % of renal transplant recipients develop vascular complications [59, 60] with 66 % occurring within 1 month of transplantation. Early complications include renal artery or vein thrombosis, renal artery kinking or compression by collections, and hemorrhage. Renal artery thrombosis is the most common vascular cause of graft loss. After 1 month, the most common complication is renal artery stenosis. While not uncommon, biopsy-related complications such as arteriovenous fistulae are likely to resolve spontaneously and are not as clinically significant. Less common complications are renal vein stenosis and renal torsion [61].
Renal Vascular Thrombosis
Renal vein and renal artery thrombosis present with acute deterioration in graft function and urine output. Doppler ultrasound is the study of choice. An infarcted allograft will be swollen without evidence of parenchymal flow at color or spectral Doppler (Fig. 32.6a). With complete arterial thrombosis, there will be no detectable arterial flow in the allograft but a spiked preocclusive waveform may be detected in the renal artery proximal to the clot [2, 45, 62]. When there is more than one renal artery, accessory renal artery thrombosis may be suspected by failure to detect flow in all the arteries and by segmental absence or decrease of color flow in the renal parenchyma (Fig. 32.6b). Segmental infarcts may be wedge shaped and hypoechoic.
In early stage venous thrombosis, the renal artery may still be patent with Doppler showing an abnormally high resistance waveform and reversal of flow in diastole (Fig. 32.7) [63, 64]. Confirmation of renal artery or vein thrombosis with other imaging modalities is rarely required and delays surgical management. There is rarely a role for interventional radiologic thrombolysis.
Dissection of the main renal artery is rare. It is usually associated with technical intraoperative difficulties. The dissection flap will not usually be detected by ultrasound; however, decreased color flow and decreased peak velocities are indirect signs (Fig. 32.8a). CTA, MRA, or conventional angiography is superior for diagnosis (Fig. 32.8b) [65]. Treatment may be attempted by angioplasty and percutaneous stent placement (Fig. 32.8c) [65].
Severe acute rejection can increase intrarenal resistance resulting in elevated high peak systolic velocity and reversal or loss of diastolic flow [2, 45, 66]. This may culminate in thrombosis.
Renal Artery Stenosis
It is not uncommon to have mild to moderate vessel narrowing at the arterial anastomosis in early postoperative period [67]. Close follow-up is recommended rather than intervention. Later, renal artery stenosis is the most common vascular complication of renal transplantation, occurring in 0.51–12 % of recipients and usually within 1 year [29, 59, 60, 68, 69]. Typical presenting features are hypertension and graft dysfunction, and occasionally a bruit. A hemodynamically significant stenosis is one which narrows the lumen by 50 %. The site of the stenosis can be at the anastomosis (in 50 %), in the donor artery, or on the recipient side. Etiology is multifactorial with contributory factors including atherosclerosis, surgical trauma and technique (e.g., torsion or angulation at the vascular anastomosis), rejection, and infection.
Ultrasound is very useful as a noninvasive screening tool. The iliac artery, renal artery anastomosis, and entire renal artery are evaluated with color Doppler for areas of altered color flow and aliasing (disturbance of color signal because of elevated velocity). Peak systolic velocity is measured at multiple sites to determine the highest peak systolic velocity. The most commonly used Doppler criteria for renal artery stenosis include an elevation of peak systolic velocity to 2–2.5 m/s (Fig. 32.9a), a velocity gradient between the stenotic and non-stenotic segments greater than 2:1, or a ratio of peak systolic velocity in the renal artery to external iliac artery (EIA) of 1.8–2 [70, 71]. In a high-risk population, these criteria achieve a sensitivity of 87–94 % and specificity of 86–100 % [45, 70, 72, 73]. However in a low risk population, the false-positive rate is high when a threshold of 2.5 m/s is used and follow-up rather than angiography should be considered [74]. Kinking and tortuosity may cause a spurious elevation of peak systolic velocity (Fig. 32.10).
Due to technical difficulty in evaluating the renal artery anastomosis in some patients, indirect evaluation of renal artery stenosis can also be performed. Intrarenal arterial waveforms are evaluated for a delayed acceleration time (pulsus tardus) and slow rise to peak (pulsus parvus) (Fig. 32.9b). Threshold values in common use include a resistive index below 0.55 [45, 71], an acceleration time greater than 0.07–0.1 s [75]. Of note, these criteria are not applicable to pediatric transplants [76].
Catheter contrast angiography (with digital subtraction) is the reference standard for diagnosis and grading of renal artery stenosis (Fig. 32.9c). Pressure measurements can be performed to determine the significance of areas of narrowing and treatment can be performed at the same time. However angiography is invasive and requires contrast medium. Furthermore multiple injections and projections are necessary to analyze the aortoiliac segments and for tortuous or overlapping vasculature.
CT or MR contrast angiography may be performed prior to catheter angiography, in cases of non-diagnostic ultrasound or as a screening test. These modalities have the advantage of a wider field of imaging to include the entire aortoiliac and pelvic vasculature (after a single bolus of intravenous contrast) with the ability to manipulate the data in three dimensions. They are accurate in the diagnosis of transplant renal artery stenosis. Contrast-enhanced MRA is reported to have a sensitivity of 93.7 %, specificity of 80 %, accuracy of 88.5 %, positive predictive value of 88.2 %, and a negative predictive value of 88.9 % when compared to angiography (Fig. 32.11a) [15]. Pseudorenal artery stenosis from iliac stenosis and diffuse atherosclerotic disease may be detected, as well as perfusion defects and infarcts [26]. MRA may be limited by artifacts caused by certain arterial stents and metallic surgical clips. These cause signal loss and may prevent evaluation of vascular patency (Fig. 32.11b) [26]. Additionally MIP reconstruction techniques may overestimate degree of stenosis [26]. In allograft recipients with poor renal function, non-contrast MRA may be extremely helpful (Fig. 32.11c) [77–79].
Renal artery stenosis is initially treated by percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) with a success rate of 85–93 % and a complication rate of 4 % [32]. Complications include dissection, arterial rupture, and thrombosis. Restenosis occurs in 5–30 %, and may be treated by repeat PTA with or without stenting. Stenoses which are not amenable to or have failed endovascular approaches are managed surgically. Arterial kinks do not respond to endovascular techniques and typically require surgery [60]. Stenosis in the iliac artery above the main renal artery may impair graft function, and can also be treated with PTLA or stent.
The findings at radionuclide scintigraphy are not specific, and captopril renography is of limited diagnostic value in this setting.
Compartment Syndrome
An uncommon cause of early graft dysfunction is the renal compartment syndrome [80, 81]. Compression of the allograft in the pelvic cavity results in abnormal perfusion with reversed or absent diastolic flow and venous outflow obstruction (Fig. 32.12). Early diagnosis permits graft salvage.
Arteriovenous Fistulae and Pseudoaneurysm
Intrarenal arteriovenous fistulae are not uncommon after percutaneous biopsy, reportedly occurring in 1–18 % of biopsies [32, 60]. Pseudoaneurysms are less common. Both may be clinically silent and discovered incidentally by Doppler ultrasound. Typical presentation is gross hematuria after a biopsy. Rarely, hemorrhage, shunting, and graft dysfunction may occur. Extrarenal arteriovenous fistulae and pseudoaneurysms are secondary to surgical technique and are very rare.
On gray scale sonography, arteriovenous fistulae are usually invisible unless large when they appear as anechoic tubular or round structures. Color Doppler characteristics include a focal area of color aliasing with high velocities and perivascular turbulence manifest as a color “flurry” which may be transmitted to the surrounding tissues (Fig. 32.13a). Doppler waveforms show a characteristic high velocity, low resistance arterial waveform in the feeding artery and an arterialized venous waveform (Fig. 32.13b) [2, 45, 82]. The feeding artery and vein are generally not resolved with Doppler sonography, unless large. As many arteriovenous fistulae resolve spontaneously, management is initially conservative. Large or symptomatic arteriovenous fistulae can be treated by transcatheter embolization with metallic coils. Selective arteriography is initially performed to determine the road map (Fig. 32.13c). Success rates are high with minimal loss of parenchyma and few procedural complications [32, 83].
Pseudoaneurysms may appear as a simple or complex cyst on gray scale ultrasound (Fig. 32.14a). Specific Doppler characteristics are “yin yang” swirling flow within the pseudoaneurysm sac and to and fro flow on Doppler interrogation of the neck of the pseudoaneurysm (Fig. 32.14b, c) [2, 45]. Pseudoaneurysms may coexist with arteriovenous fistulae. Extrarenal pseudoaneurysms tend to occur at the arterial anastomosis either from surgical technique or from surrounding infection. They are more prone to rupture. Pseudoaneurysms of both types may be treated by embolization although large extrarenal pseudoaneurysms are difficult to treat and may require surgery (Fig. 32.14d, e).
Renal Vein Stenosis
This is a rare complication, usually resulting from perivascular fibrosis or compression by fluid collections. Fibrosis is difficult to treat by venous angioplasty as recoil is a problem. Primary stenting may be better [29, 84]. Gray scale findings include luminal narrowing or venous compression by a fluid collection. Doppler findings are more specific, and consist of aliasing on color Doppler and a focal velocity increase at the venous stenosis. To be significant, the velocity at the stenosis must be three to four times higher than in the normal venous segment [66]. Collateral veins may suggest the diagnosis. Arterial perfusion and diastolic flow may also be reduced.
Urologic Complications
Urologic complications occur in up to 6 % of recipients. The most common are ureteral stricture and leak which may be secondary to surgical technique, ischemia, and necrosis [59, 85, 86]. Other complications include ureteral or bladder stones and bladder outlet obstruction [85].
Hydronephrosis develops in 3–6.5 % of patients [87, 88] and may be early or late. In the early postoperative period, hydronephrosis may be secondary to edema, clot, calculus, or extrinsic compression by collections, hematoma, or an overdistended bladder. Later, ureteral strictures from ischemia, fibrosis, rejection, or infection (including BK virus (BKV) infection) predominate [28, 88]. Ureteral obstruction is caused by an ischemic stricture of the ureter in 90 % [89].
Ureteral strictures can be asymptomatic until graft dysfunction is discovered, or may be discovered by routine imaging. Hydronephrosis is most readily diagnosed by ultrasound but can be seen at CT, nuclear scintigraphy, and MRI. Ultrasound is excellent for the diagnosis of hydronephrosis where the dilated urine filled renal pelvis and calyces displace the echogenic sinus fat (Fig. 32.15a). Branching dilated calyces help to distinguish this entity from sinus cysts. The normal transplant ureter is not usually visible; when dilated, it will appear as a fluid-filled tubular structure between the renal pelvis and the bladder (Fig. 32.15b). Infection or rejection may cause thickening of the uroepithelium. Dilatation does not always signify obstruction however and may be secondary to vesico-ureteral reflux, a flaccid collecting system, an extrarenal pelvis, or a persistently dilated system post-obstruction or infection. Measurement of renovascular impedance using the resistive or pulsatility index has not proven useful in distinguishing obstruction from non-obstructive dilatation [2, 90]. Correlation with serum creatinine and urine output is valuable. Confirmation of obstruction can be achieved with technetium 99m MAG3 studies and a diuretic challenge; however, poor renal function will affect study validity [27]. Ureteral strictures are confirmed with CT or fluoroscopic nephrostography after obtaining catheter access to the collecting system (Fig. 32.15c, d). Confirmed ureteral obstruction can be drained by a percutaneous nephrostomy pending definitive management with balloon angioplasty, stent, or surgery (Fig. 32.15e).
Echoes and debris within the collecting system may represent blood clot, fungus, proteinaceous material, or infected debris. Gas may reflux into the collecting system from Foley catheterization of the bladder. Rarely, emphysematous pyelonephritis may produce gas throughout the renal parenchyma.
Urinary leak is an early complication occurring in 2 % [59]. Presenting features include rising creatinine, decreasing urine output, pain and swelling over the allograft or in the ipsilateral lower limb, increasing ascites, and fluid leakage from wound. Imaging will show a nonspecific fluid collection which can be aspirated for confirmation. Other than needle sampling, confirmation of a urine leak can be achieved with an isotope renogram, water-soluble contrast fluoroscopic cystogram or CT cystogram. The latter two have the advantage of directly demonstrating the location of the leak (Fig. 32.16a–c). Leaks are treated promptly because of risk of infection in the immunosuppressed host. Management depends upon the location of the leak [32]. Bladder or distal ureteral leaks may be managed by prolonged bladder catheter drainage or surgical repair whereas more proximal leaks may be treated by percutaneous nephrostomy or ureteral stenting pending definitive open repair [28, 32].
Urinary calculi are uncommon, occurring in 0.17–3 % of renal transplants [87]. These may occur de novo or be transplanted with the allograft and may present with acute obstruction, elevated creatinine, or infection. Stones in the native kidneys may also be a source of problems such as renal colic and infection after transplantation. Preoperative or intraoperative imaging can detect stones and prevent accidental stone transplantation. Calculi are readily diagnosed by ultrasound or CT, although small stones may be occult at ultrasound (Fig. 32.17a, b). Management depends on stone size.
Fluid Collections
Perigraft fluid collections may represent seromas, hematomas, lymphoceles, abscesses, and urinomas. Seromas, hematomas, and urinomas develop earlier than lymphoceles. Lymphoceles occur in 0.6–20 % of recipients overall, typically after 4 weeks, and are centered around the vascular pedicle of the allograft [59, 91]. Most fluid collections are asymptomatic but large collections can exert mass effect on the ureter, kidney, and vasculature with impairment of renal function. Infected collections may cause fever and pain. Fluid collections are easily detected by imaging with ultrasound, CT, and MRI (Fig. 32.18a, b). While time of onset and location may be diagnostically helpful, the appearance of the various collections (excluding hematoma) is similar. Imaging cannot diagnose an infected fluid collection unless it contains gas. Percutaneous aspiration (usually ultrasound guided) is necessary for microbiological evaluation and measurement of creatinine. Symptomatic lymphoceles can be managed by percutaneous drainage but they frequently recur. Further management options include percutaneous sclerotherapy and open or laparoscopic marsupialization [32]. Abscesses may be managed by percutaneous drains and antibiotics.
Most periallograft hematomas are contained in the pelvis, the appearance of hematoma varying depending on its age. Acute hematomas are hyperechoic and even solid appearing, potentially mistaken for pelvic fat or even bowel (Fig. 32.19a). With degradation of blood products, hematomas become more cystic with internal fine septations or may be entirely anechoic. Free intraperitoneal hemorrhage is less common but readily detectable by sonography. Deep retroperitoneal or pelvic hematomas however may be missed by ultrasound. CT is a more sensitive imaging modality and can be performed immediately without any oral contrast. Acute hemorrhage is hyperattenuating on unenhanced CT (Fig. 32.19b, c). While MR is not indicated for hemorrhage, acute hematoma has high signal intensity on T1-weighted images and is more variable on T2-weighted images.
Infection
Infection in the allograft is diagnosed by urine and blood cultures. Imaging findings are nonspecific and include graft swelling, urothelial thickening, altered perfusion, and hydronephrosis with debris. Parenchymal abscesses are rounded fluid collections with a thick wall and internal debris. They may be aspirated under ultrasound guidance for diagnosis and treatment.
BKV infection is now recognized as a serious cause of graft loss [92–94]. Up to 8 % of recipients develop BKV-associated nephropathy with a graft loss rate of up to 40–50 % [93, 94]. BKV infection can be detected and monitored with serum and urine viral DNA. Imaging has a limited role in the diagnosis of BKV nephropathy. However ureteral stricture and hydronephrosis have been reported [95]. Ultrasound may be used to guide allograft biopsy for histologic confirmation.
The role of imaging in other infections depends on the target organ. CT is useful for screening the patient with fever and leukocytosis. Gastrointestinal or infectious disease such as colitis, diverticulitis, pneumonia, or intra-abdominal infection may be found. Wound-related complications such as infection (1 %) and hernia or dehiscence (1.5 %) can be diagnosed with CT or US (Fig. 32.20) [59].
Post-transplant Malignancy
Between 6 and 20 % of recipients develop cancer after 10 years, the most common being skin (95 % are nonmelanoma, mainly squamous cell). There is also a twofold increased risk of non-skin malignancy after solid organ transplantation due to immunosuppression [96–98]. Mortality is high (up to 50 %) [96, 99]. Cancers may arise de novo in the recipient, may be recurrent in the recipient, or may be transmitted from the donor. Virus-induced malignancies such as lymphoma, Kaposi sarcoma, and anogenital and liver cancer are increased 3–50 times [99, 100]. Imaging findings may not be specific but image-guided biopsy may provide the diagnosis.
Renal cell carcinoma is more common in native kidneys of renal transplant recipients and the second most common malignancy after transplantation (Fig. 32.21) [98]. Early cases may result from malignant transformation in cysts associated with end stage kidneys and hemodialysis [99]. However renal carcinoma in native kidneys may develop in the absence of acquired cystic disease [101]. Clear cell subtype is slightly more common than papillary carcinoma and the prognosis is good [102]. Native renal cell carcinoma tends to be bilateral, multifocal, and less aggressive and can be treated with partial or total nephrectomy [103]. Renal carcinoma can also occur in the allograft, with papillary carcinoma being more common [102].
Many of these tumors are detected incidentally at imaging. Ultrasound is generally the first-line modality for the allograft but is less sensitive in the evaluation of the native kidneys which may be atrophic and/or replaced by cysts. More comprehensive evaluation and staging is provided by CT or MR performed with intravenous contrast (Fig. 32.21). Renal carcinoma is typically a mass with no fatty component in which enhancement (a surrogate for neovascularity) occurs after intravenous contrast, imaged by CT, MRI, or contrast-enhanced ultrasound [104–107]. Necrosis, calcification, hemorrhage, and cystic components all contribute to tumor heterogeneity at imaging. In contrast to clear cell RCC, papillary renal carcinoma is typically smaller, more homogenous, and enhances less [108]. However cystic variants may occur. Comprehensive staging is multimodality based and includes MRI and PET–CT.
Urothelial bladder cancer may be as common as renal carcinoma in some series. It occurs in younger patients and has a more aggressive course [109] (Fig. 32.22).
Post-transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder
Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a spectrum of disease related to transmission of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) in 90 % of cases. Around 1 % of renal recipients develop PTLD, usually within the first year [110]. However PTLD can occur at any time, with a median time of onset of 5 years [110]. PTLD may be nodal or extra-nodal. In renal transplant recipients, extra-nodal disease is more common and the allograft is involved in 10 % [110]. Any solid or hollow viscera (liver, spleen, lung, bowel, bone marrow) can be involved by single or multiple masses [110]. Presenting features are nonspecific, and can include fever, weight loss, lymphadenopathy, or declining renal function. Incidental discovery at imaging is not unusual. Imaging findings are not specific, and can mimic lymphoma, metastasis, or infection. There may be focal or diffuse involvement of organs and bowel. Soft tissue masses at the renal transplant hilum are very suggestive [111, 112]. These tend to be hypoechoic at ultrasound with internal vascularity and causing hydronephrosis. At MRI, the low T2 signal intensity of the renal hilar mass and poor enhancement is characteristic [111]. Pathological diagnosis is necessary and can be achieved with ultrasound or CT-guided biopsy depending upon location. CT and FDG PET/CT are useful for diagnosis, staging, and follow-up (Fig. 32.23).
Summary
This chapter has attempted to familiarize the renal physician or surgeon with the role of imaging in the management of renal transplantation. The wide range of post-transplant complications is difficult to evaluate and distinguish on clinical and laboratory examination. This review provides guidance regarding the role of various radiologic modalities in early and accurate diagnosis and the contribution of percutaneous interventional techniques to patient management. While imaging is currently of limited value in the diagnosis of parenchymal disorders such as acute rejection, the ability to exclude other causes of transplant dysfunction is still valuable. In the future, noninvasive imaging tools may reduce the need for transplant biopsy.
Key Points
-
1.
Imaging plays a key role in the pre- and postoperative evaluation of renal transplantation.
-
2.
Ultrasound imaging is most useful in the diagnosis of hydronephrosis, fluid collections, and vascular complications.
-
3.
Imaging findings of rejection are nonspecific.
-
4.
CTA and MRA are useful for confirmation of vascular complications prior to intervention.
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Manning, M., Wong-You-Cheong, J. (2014). Imaging of the Renal Transplant Recipient. In: Weir, M., Lerma, E. (eds) Kidney Transplantation. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-0342-9_32
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