Multidetector computed tomography (CT) angiography of renal vasculature versus operative findings in living renal donors

Abstract

Background: In kidney transplantation decision about the proper kidney donation is different between surgeons, but simple vasculature anatomy and a kidney without abnormalities are the most important reasons of choosing a kidney. Therefore complete assessment of renal vessels of a live donor with noninvasive techniques is a necessity for nephrectomy. For delineation of the kidney vasculature anomalies and urinary system abnormalities, Multi-Detector CT seems to be excellent method for evaluation. Methods: In this study 59 live donors were assessed with Multi-Detector CT Angiography. After injection of contrast media, we acquired images with 0.6 mm slice thickness. Processing and three dimentional reconstructions were done and the accessory arteries, early branching of main renal artery, the number of main renal vessels and the ureters were assessed. Findings were compared with the nephrectomy results. Results: In Multi-Detector CT Angiography the prevalence of accessory renal artery was 3/4% with 98% accuracy, early branching of main renal artery was 8/4% with 100% accuracy. Multiplicity of renal veins was seen in 8/4% of donors with 98% accuracy. Duplicated ureter was not seen in any of the donors. Conclusions: The accuracy of CT Angiography is 95% for depicting accessory renal artery and multiple renal artery and 100% for early branching. These results were comparable with findings in conventional angiography. Studies showed this method more valuable than M.R. Angiography and digital subtraction angiography. It is less invasive and can be named as the gold standard method in the diagnosis of anomalies of vessels & collecting system in live donors.