Do you obtain periodic kidney ultrasounds in patients with stable chronic kidney disease to evaluate for changes in kidney size that might reflect progression of kidney disease not detected with serum studies?

No. I believe the serum studies would be much more accurate in determining kidney function than the ultrasound. The only time I obtain periodic ultrasounds would be if someone has suspicious lesions and I want to follow up over time or with cysts.

I would not check an ultrasound for this reason alone. Renal ultrasounds are incredibly useful in the initial diagnostic work-up for CKD and/or if there is a sudden change in blood pressure or kidney function. But, I would never change my management of CKD based on subclinical changes in the renal u...