Diagnostic accuracy of 64-MDCT angiography in the preoperative evaluation of renal vessels and compared with laparotomy findings in living donor kidney.

Introduction: Multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) angiography is a reliable technique in preoperative renal anatomy evaluation in live renal donors.

Objectives: To investigate the accuracy of early arterial phase findings and compares them with intraoperative findings.

Methods: In this prospective study, 100 potential live donors undergoing preoperative MDCT and nephrectomy during 2010-2013 were included. The examination was performed with a 64-detector scanner including early arterial and venous phase. MDCT angiography started by bolus tracking and venous phase was acquired 9 s after arterial phase. Anatomical findings and vein and artery attenuation values were recorded and arterial phase findings were compared with intraoperative findings.

Results: All anatomical findings reported by MDCT in early arterial phase were confirmed by intraoperative findings with sensitivity of 100%. Right renal vein was supernumerary in 17 cases and left renal vein was circumaortic in 3 and retroaortic in 5 cases. Renal arteries had early branching in 13, two arteries in 12 and accessory in 8 cases. Vein and artery attenuation values had significant difference between early arterial and venous phase (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Early arterial phase has similar results to venous phase in preoperative evaluation and intraoperative findings and could be used alone to reduce radiation dose.