In vivo and in vitro sonographic diagnosis of an encrusted nephrostomy catheter with color doppler twinkling artifact

Encrustation is one of the most common complications that may develop with the use of a nephrostomy catheter. We used the color Doppler twinkling artifact to detect encrustation and obstruction of a nephrostomy catheter in vivo. This was confirmed by in vitro scanning of the catheter after analyzing the radiogram. Color Doppler twinkling artifact may provide useful information on the management of nephrostomy catheters.