A proposed method for the noninvasive evaluation of renal asymmetry in a living-related donor candidate.

ABSTRACT

This report proposes an adjunctive technique for the evaluation of asymmetry of renal size and function of undetermined etiology, discovered during the assessment of two living-related donor candidates. The method utilizes the observation of renal functional reserve measurement as demonstrated by oral protein loading in patients with normal and diseased kidneys. Renal function was measured as timed Ccr and estimation of differential GFR by technetium-99m diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (99mTcDTPA) scintigraphy. A comparison of renal function before and after protein loading in two such patients demonstrated the anticipated increase in GFR. No change in differential GFR as determined by renal scan in one patient was interpreted as supportive evidence for bilaterally normal parenchymal function. Follow-up of both donors shows continued normal renal function.