Purpose: To present a method for calculating split renal function solely from routine triphasic helical computed tomography (CT).
Subjects and methods: We retrospectively included 26 adult patients who received renal scintigraphy and triphasic CT within 4 weeks in the years 2003 and 2004. All scans were performed using a standard abdominal protocol. Split renal function was calculated as relative single-kidney glomerular filtration rate (GFR) using a simplified "two-point Patlak plot" technique. As a reference method, split renal function was determined from renal scintigraphy using the standard technique.
Results: Linear correlation between the two methods was r=0.91, split renal function (CT)=0.0266+0.9573 x split renal function (scintigraphy).
Conclusion: Split renal function can be measured accurately by minimally extended triphasic CT.