Optimum patient position for sonographic examination of the kidneys

Objective: Sonography is a widely used imaging modality for examination of the kidneys utilized to evaluate dimension of the kidneys during the progression of a renal disease. The aim of the study was to investigate the optimum patient position for sonographic examination of the kidneys which will reduce scanning time and hence increase cost effectiveness. Methodology: In 93 subjects, renal sonography was performed in the three positions (supine, oblique and prone) for the right and the left kidneys. Longitudinal and transverse images of both kidneys were obtained when possible and measurements of renal dimensions (renal length, width, thickness and cortical thickness) was extracted. Measurements were conducted at the Department of Radiological sciences, King Saud University. Results: The right kidney was more accessible with subjects in the supine position compared to oblique subject position for the left kidney. Prone subjects position was the second more accessible position to image both kidneys. No statistical differences in kidney dimensions were found between the three positions. Conclusions: We suggest that the sonographic examining protocol for the right and left kidneys could begin at the supine position and oblique position respectively. Subject position does not affect renal dimensions obtained sonogeaphically.