Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the utility of CT-based renal cortex volume to estimate split renal function (SRF) in pre-transplant living kidney donors and to evaluate its reliability to predict graft function in the recipients. Methods: Our study recruited all adult potential donors who had both Tc-99m-diethylenetriamine pentacetate (DTPA) scintigraphy and CT angiography of the abdominal aorta done before donating their kidney. We compared the correlation between CT-based renal cortex volume combined with kidney function and DTPA scan as well as post-donation kidney function in the recipients. Results: The correlation between CT-based split cortex volume and DTPA-measured SRF before transplantation was strong (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.954–0.968). The inter-rater reliability of two radiologists also showed substantial agreement (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.97, p < 0.001). In contrast, the correlations between renal cortical volume of donated kidney adjusted to recipient body weight and recipient kidney function was poor at both 2 week and 2 year follow-up. Conclusion: CT-based renal cortex volume combined with pre-operative kidney function appears to be precise and reproducible to evaluate pre-transplant SRF. Nevertheless, the prediction of recipient graft function needs to be further investigated to ensure a good outcome. Advances in knowledge: This method is practicable for all potential donors who undergo kidney transplantation in terms of streamline donor workup without compromising information.
Predictive ability of renal cortex enhancement in dynamic computed tomography for residual renal function after nephroureterectomy: Comparison with
99m
Tc‐diethylenetriaminopentacetic acid renography and validation study
