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Ultrasonically determined kidney transplant hypertrophy.
S L Lachance1, D Adamson, J M Barry
1Renal Transplant Service, Oregon Health Sciences, University, Portland 97201.
The Journal of Urology
|March 1, 1988
Summary
Kidney transplant size increases can occur normally after transplantation. This study found statistically significant increases in kidney graft dimensions in recipients without rejection crises, highlighting the need to differentiate normal growth from acute rejection signs.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Transplant Surgery
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Increased renal transplant size is a recognized indicator of acute rejection.
- Distinguishing normal graft growth from pathological enlargement is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and quantify changes in kidney graft dimensions in recipients without acute rejection.
- To establish baseline data for normal renal transplant size increases.
Main Methods:
- Utilized ultrasonography to measure kidney graft dimensions (anteroposterior, cross-sectional, pole-to-pole).
- Monitored 8 recipients of living related donor kidneys over an average of 4.9 months.
- Excluded patients with a history of rejection crises.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated statistically significant increases in all measured kidney graft dimensions.
- Average increases observed: anteroposterior (0.75 cm), cross-sectional (1.9 cm), and pole-to-pole (0.58 cm).
Conclusions:
- A certain degree of kidney graft size increase is a normal physiological response post-transplantation.
- These findings emphasize the importance of considering normal growth patterns to avoid misdiagnosis of acute rejection.