Super-Resolution Ultrasound Tracks Early Kidney Disease

Noninvasive imaging method quantifies intrarenal microvascular changes in polycystic kidney disease

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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A new study has found that super-resolution ultrasound, known as ultrasound localization microscopy, can safely and reliably assess intrarenal microvascular changes in individuals with early-stage autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), even when overall kidney function is still preserved. This noninvasive imaging technique was able to detect microvascular abnormalities before they are visible through other methods.

Why it matters

Current techniques for assessing the intrarenal microvasculature in ADPKD are invasive and limited to end-stage disease. This new ultrasound-based approach provides a safe, reliable, and reproducible way to identify microvascular changes at an early stage, which could lead to earlier interventions and better management of this chronic kidney condition.

The details

Researchers applied ultrasound localization microscopy to 17 young individuals (median age 30) with early-stage ADPKD and 17 age- and sex-matched controls. The analysis demonstrated excellent reliability, reproducibility, and repeatability in quantifying intrarenal microvascular parameters. Microvascular changes were detected in ADPKD patients even when overall kidney function was still preserved, and these changes correlated with structural and functional markers of disease progression.

  • The study was published online on February 13, 2026.

The players

Chengwu Huang

PhD, Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic in Rochester, and lead author of the study.

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What they’re saying

“Our findings suggest that intrarenal microvascular parameters may constitute promising functional biomarkers to evaluate noncystic parenchyma.”

— Chengwu Huang, PhD, Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic in Rochester (Journal of the American Society of Nephrology)

What’s next

The study was limited by its small sample size and lack of long-term follow-up. Further research is needed to assess the clinical utility of this ultrasound-based approach for monitoring disease progression and guiding treatment in ADPKD.

The takeaway

This new noninvasive imaging technique provides a promising way to detect early microvascular changes in polycystic kidney disease, which could lead to earlier interventions and improved management of this chronic condition.