Predictors of kidney dimensions measured by multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) in 930 middle-aged and elderly patients

Ren Fail. 2012;34(1):53-9. doi: 10.3109/0886022X.2011.635523. Epub 2011 Nov 29.

Abstract

Purpose: A few studies investigated renal size using computed tomography (CT) in middle-aged and elderly patients while taking renal function into account. Thus, we aimed to assess kidney dimensions and their predictors in patients without known renal disease by multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT).

Methods: This is a 6-month-long prospective observational study. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated with Cockcroft-Gault (CG) and modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD) formulas. Pole-to-pole kidney length (R1) was determined from coronal and sagittal oblique images. Kidney length (R2), width (R3), and parenchymal thickness were measured in axial slices.

Results: The data of the 930 patients were included in this study. CG-eGFR was more closely correlated with R1, R2, and R3 than MDRD-eGFR. CG-eGFR, female gender, and presence of diabetes mellitus were independent predictors of R1 size in logistic regression analyses.

Conclusion: Kidney sizes diminish with advancing age. CG-eGFR shows a better correlation with kidney dimensions compared with MDRD. Overall, age was a stronger determinant of eGFR than renal dimensions.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Female
  • Glomerular Filtration Rate
  • Humans
  • Kidney / anatomy & histology*
  • Kidney / diagnostic imaging*
  • Kidney / physiology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multidetector Computed Tomography*
  • Organ Size
  • Prospective Studies