Standardized evaluation methodology for renal cortical blood perfusion in elderly patients using contrast-enhanced ultrasound: A Chinese expert consensus (2024 edition)

As a sensitive and non-invasive method for assessing changes in renal cortical blood perfusion in the elderly, contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) can indirectly reflect changes in kidney filtration and reabsorption function, thus providing feasibility for early evaluation of renal function changes. However, significant differences exist among researchers in terms of operational methods, contrast agent selection, post-data analysis, and many other aspects, leading to substantial heterogeneity in results. This hinders horizontal comparisons and greatly limits the clinical application of contrast-enhanced ultrasound for evaluating renal cortical blood flow perfusion. Based on the latest domestic and overseas literature and discussions with clinical experts, this consensus provides recommended guidelines for the evaluation of renal cortical blood flow perfusion using contrast-enhanced ultrasound. It is hoped that this consensus will promote a better understanding of CEUS among medical practitioners at all levels and standardize the examination of renal cortical blood flow perfusion with CEUS.