Potential renal donors: comparison of conventional imaging with helical CT.

PURPOSE: To assess helical computed tomography (CT) as a potential substitute for intravenous urography and renal angiography in the evaluation of living potential renal donors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Helical CT was performed in 32 potential donors both before and after administration of contrast material. Scans were reconstructed at 1.5-mm intervals for three-dimensional reconstructions. Helical CT images were blindly compared with urograms (n = 32) and renal angiograms (n = 24).

RESULTS: One small accessory artery was not depicted with helical CT, and angiography did not depict an accessory artery arising in proximity to the origin of the main renal artery. All eight kidneys with early dividing main arteries were identified with both helical CT and angiography. Three renal venous anomalies were depicted only with helical CT. Helical CT and urography equally depicted nonvascular findings.

CONCLUSION: Renal helical CT is a suitable replacement for intravenous urography and angiography in the assessment of living renal donors.