Imaging evaluation of kidney using multidetector computerized tomography in living-related renal transplantation

Background

Multidetector computerized tomography (MDCT) is lesser invasive than conventional angiography and has the advantage of assessment of vessels and surrounding anatomic variants before laparoscopic nephrectomy.

Methods

From May 2005 to March 2011, 62 consecutive living kidney donors of mean age 45.3 ± 12.7 years (range 24-70 y, male:female 26:36) underwent laparoscopic nephrectomy to paired recipients of mean age 44.8 ± 14.0 years (range 17-74 y, male:female 38:24). The clinical characteristics and laboratory data of donors and recipients were collected for analysis. Graft function as indicated by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was obtained from the last stable visit of the donors and the best value displayed by the recipients.

Results

There was no significant correlation between CT kidney volume and and eGFR. By univariate analysis, donor age was associated with worse graft function (−0.51 mL/min lower eGFR per 1 year of donor age; P < .0001). Female sex and higher effective renal plasma flow/body mass index ratio were associated with better graft function; conversely, body weight and BMI were associated with poor graft function upon univariate and multivariate analysis. An ERPF of <220 mL/min and a donor age >45 y showed significantly lower eGFR. There was no effect of CT kidney volume <100 mL.

Conclusions

Our preliminary data suggest that CT kidney volume does not predict posttransplantation graft function, but MDCT is still important for analysis of anatomy before laparoscopic nephrectomy among living donors.