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Updated: Oct 29, 2025
Mouse Kidney Transplantation: Models of Allograft Rejection
Published on: October 11, 2014
The stiffness of transplanted kidneys changes with time after renal transplantation
Shaona Chen1, Jin Li1, Bidan Zeng1
1Department of Ultrasound, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, PR China.
Background:
Kidney transplantation is one of the most effective ways to treat end-stage kidney disease. However, 5000 renal transplant recipients start or restart dialysis because of chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN) every year in the United States. Detecting changes in the stiffness of transplanted kidneys can help diagnose transplanted kidney disease.
Purpose:
To explore changes in the stiffness of transplanted kidneys after renal transplantation using shear wave elastography (SWE).
Material And Methods:
This study conducted consecutive follow-up observations on 10 patients after kidney transplantation. SWE examination was performed in the first week, second week, first month, second month, third month, fourth month, fifth month, and sixth month after surgery. This study also analyzed the graft stiffness of 86 patients with stable renal function recovery one month after surgery.
Results:
The results show that there is a change in the stiffness of the transplanted kidney over time after renal transplantation. It decreases rapidly within one month after renal transplantation and tends to be stable after one month. The mean renal cortical and pyramidal stiffness of patients with stable renal function were 28.48 ± 4.27 kPa and 21.97 ± 3.90 kPa, respectively.
Conclusion:
Consecutive stiffness measurement of transplanted kidneys is an effective method for monitoring the function of transplanted kidneys. According to the change in transplanted kidney stiffness, we can designate a more scientific review plan to determine the functional status of the transplanted kidney.
Insights
Transplanted kidney stiffness decreases rapidly within the first month post-surgery and stabilizes thereafter. This finding aids in monitoring kidney allograft function and diagnosing complications like chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN).
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Transplant Surgery
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Kidney transplantation is a vital treatment for end-stage kidney disease.
- Chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN) affects approximately 5000 US renal transplant recipients annually, necessitating dialysis.
- Assessing transplanted kidney stiffness offers a potential diagnostic method for allograft dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate changes in transplanted kidney stiffness using shear wave elastography (SWE).
- To correlate stiffness changes with kidney allograft function post-transplantation.
Main Methods:
- Consecutive follow-up SWE examinations were performed on 10 kidney transplant recipients over six months.
- Graft stiffness was analyzed in 86 patients with stable renal function one month post-surgery.
Main Results:
- Transplanted kidney stiffness significantly decreases within the first month after transplantation.
- Stiffness measurements tend to stabilize after one month post-surgery.
- Mean renal cortical and pyramidal stiffness in stable patients were 28.48 ± 4.27 kPa and 21.97 ± 3.90 kPa, respectively.
Conclusions:
- Continuous monitoring of transplanted kidney stiffness via SWE is effective for assessing allograft function.
- Changes in kidney stiffness can inform personalized surveillance strategies for transplant recipients.
- This method may help in the early detection of complications and optimize graft survival.
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