Could a simple ultrasound replace radiation scans for kidney blockages?
NCT ID NCT05090800
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether a special ultrasound with a contrast dye (Definity) can detect kidney obstructions. Ten adults with a blocked kidney had ultrasound scans before and after surgery to relieve the blockage. The goal was to see if this method works as well as standard nuclear scans, but without radiation.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Definity contrast agent (Perflutren Lipid Microsphere)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could provide a safer, radiation-free way to diagnose kidney obstructions using ultrasound instead of nuclear scans.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small, early-phase study with only 10 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The technique is still experimental for this use.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Phase 2
Tests whether the treatment actually works, and watches for side effects, in a larger group.
- Participants
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10 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Dec 2021
- Finished
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Sep 2025
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Unilateral renal obstruction confirmed by Nuclear Medicine MAG3 Dynamic Renal Scan (diuretic t (time) ½ \>20 minutes) * Obstructed kidney with differential function \>15% confirmed by Nuclear Medicine Mercaptoacetyltriglycine (MAG3) Dynamic Renal Scan within less or equal (\<=) 6 months from enrollment * Patient has elected to move forward with pyeloplasty or proximal ureteroureterostomy to correct the obstruction Exclusion Criteria: * Solitary kidney * Any abnormalities of contralateral collecting system (for example (e.g.) hydronephrosis, renal calculi, duplicated collecting system) * Known vesicoureteral reflux * Ureteral stent in place in the obstructive kidney * Patients without a Nuclear Medicine MAG3 Dynamic Renal Scan * Previous history of hypersensitivity to Ultrasound Contrast Agents or Definity (perflutren lipid microspheres)) * Previous sensitivity to polyethylene glycol * Pregnant or breastfeeding females * Body mass index (BMI) \>=40 without prior ultrasound confirming ability to adequately visualize the kidneys (Elevated BMI is known to decrease ability to image the kidneys) * Global renal function with a Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) \<30 (chronic kidney disease Stage 4 \& 5 excluded) * Unstable cardiopulmonary conditions (acute myocardial infarction, acute coronary artery syndromes, worsening or unstable congestive heart failure, serious ventricular arrhythmias, presence of a cardiac shunt)
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, United States