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

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.