Detection of the urine jet phenomenon using Doppler color flow mapping

Abstract

Background: Ultrasonic Doppler color flow mapping was applied to detect urinary flow in this study. The purpose of the study was to provide fresh insight into urodynamic and functional studies of the kidney and ureter.

Methods: Ultrasonic Doppler color flow mapping was performed from the abdominal surface to detect the urine jet phenomenon from the ureteral orifice in 25 healthy men and four healthy boys. In the cases in which the jet phenomenon was observed, the maximum velocity, mean velocity, successive time and frequency were measured. In 23 of the 25 men, the measurement was performed under normal circumstances and during diuresis.

Results: In 23 (92%) of the 25 men and in three (75%) of the four boys, the urine jet phenomenon was clearly visualized under normal conditions. The measured maximum velocity, mean velocity, successive time and frequency on the left side under normal conditions for the men were 31.8 +/- 15.3 cm/sec, 20.0 +/- 10.2 cm/sec, 2.5 +/- 1.3 sec and 1.2 +/- 0.5/min, respectively. The magnitude of each of these parameters was smaller in the case of the boys.

Conclusions: The detection of the jet phenomenon by Doppler color flow mapping is a promising new way of examining renal or ureteral function noninvasively.