Left Renal Length Research Articles

Evaluation of renal arteries in hypertensive patients by multi-detector computed tomography

Introduction: Among various causes of hypertension, only 1 to 2% is renovascular hypertension which may be characterized by the various reasons in renal vascular supply. Multi-detector computed tomography is used to know about the details of the vascular structures in patients. This study aims to evaluate the renal arteries in hypertensive patients. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted among 93 hypertensive patients. Contrastenhanced computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis was conducted, and measurements were obtained from the axial section of the maximum intensity projection image. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23.0. Independent t-test and Pearson’s Correlation were used. The level of statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: The study found mean lengths for the right and left main renal arteries to be 40.33±10.26 mm and 32.36±9.55 mm, and diameters were 4.31±0.86 mm and 4.16±0.81 mm. No significant sex-based differences were observed. However, a significant age-related difference was noted in the length (p=0.012) and diameter (p=0.036) of the right main artery within the 20 to 29 and 80 to 89 years age groups. Weak correlations were observed between left renal artery length and age (r=0.221, p=0.33) and mean right renal artery diameter and age (r=-0.218, p=0.036). Prevalence of accessory renal arteries and early branches was 19.35% and 16.10% respectively. Conclusions: This study found that there were no statistically significant differences in renal arteries dimensions of hypertensive patients with different age groups and genders. Although the proportion of early renal artery branching and accessory arteries are found to be similar to previous studies there may be other associated factors for all hypertensive patients who don’t have early renal branches or accessory arteries.

Ultrasonography Measurement of Renal Dimension and Its Correlation with Age, Body Indices, and eGFR in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Patients: Real World Data in Taiwan.

Assessment of renal size is clinically significant for the screening, diagnosis, and follow-up of renal diseases as the basis of clinical decisions. However, the relationship of renal dimension with age, body indices, and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) has rarely been reported in the Chinese type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) population. A total of 220 T1DM patients were retrospectively analyzed from the Chang Gung Research Database in Taiwan. Demographic data, laboratory data, and ultrasonographic images from January 2001 to November 2018 were extracted. Eighty-five participants (38.6%) were male. The mean age was 34.2 years. The median eGFR was 60.0 mL/min/1.73 m2. The mean ultrasonographic left and right renal lengths (LL and RL) with S.D. were 10.9 ± 1.5 cm and 11.0 ± 1.1 cm, respectively. Renal lengths were longer with increasing body height and body weight but shorter with increasing age in patients with T1DM. In trajectory analysis, a linear mixed model revealed no significant trend in the changes in eGFR during the follow-up period. Moreover, renal length did not play a significant role in predicting KDIGO CKD stage 5 in the cohort. Renal length and its comparison to the reference ranges demonstrated very limited advantages in predicting renal function decline in T1DM patients.

Correlation of renal length with anthropometric and demographic data in healthy children: A prospective cross sectional study

BackgroundRenal size is an important parameter in the assessment of a child with renal disease. Renal size can be estimated by measuring renal length, renal volume, and cortical volume or thickness. Renal length depends on different factors, which include size, body mass index and gender. Ultrasonography is useful, non-invasive and easily available method for reliably performing the measurement of kidney length. This study was conducted to find out correlation between renal length and age and anthropometric variables in healthy children. This prospective cross sectional study was carried out with the following objectives: (a) To determine the anthropometric variable that correlated best with renal length in healthy children. (b) To develop a nomogram for renal length in healthy children. MethodsFive hundred healthy children were included in this study. Sonographic assessment of renal length was performed using real time mechanical sector scanner with 5 MHz and 8 MHz frequency. The renal length was correlated with somatic parameters like age, weight, height, body surface area and body mass index. Regression equations were derived for each pair of dependent and independent variables. ResultsWe performed the measurement of renal length in 500 healthy children. In our series, renal measuring parameters showed a good correlation with studied body parameters, height having the best correlation. Data from left and right kidneys are shown separately since there was small but statistically significant difference between them. Based on our study, using the height of the child, renal length may be calculated by using following equation: Left renal length (cm) = 0.052 × height (cm) + 1.042, Right renal length (cm) = 0.052 × height (cm) + 0.867. ConclusionsThis study provides values of renal length (mean ± 2SD) in normal Indian children and its correlation with body parameters. Renal length may be easily calculated by derived linear regression equation. Nomograms of renal length with respect to age and height have been formulated. Renal Length was found to correlate best with height of the child.

Sonographic Comparison Between Echogenicity and Renal Length Among Patients Suffering with Or Without Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is defined as any abnormality and impaired kidney functions for more than three months. Most common causes of CKD is diabetes and hypertension. Objective: To determine the association between renal length and echogenicity in patients with or without chronic kidney disease. Methods: In Gilani Ultrasound Centre ,Lahore a descriptive study was conducted on Ultrasound Machine, Nemio 17 Toshiba.70 patients with or without chronic kidney disease were included. Patients with no previous clinical record of diabetes, high blood pressure and age below than 15 were excluded. Results: Data analysis demonstrated that total of 70 patients, (35 normal and 35 with CKD ) were selected in our study.Out of 70, 46(65.7%) were male and 24(34.3%) were female. Our results shows that (out of 70 patients) in right kidney echogenicity, 36(51.0%) no; of patients shows normal echogenicity with grade 0, 18(25.7%) with grade I, 10(14.3%) with grade II, 6(8.6%) with grade III , and in left kidney echogenicity ,37(52.9%) no;of patients shows normal echogenicity with grade 0,16(22.9%) with grade I, 10(14.3%) with grade II, 7(10.0%) with grade III. respectively a significant correlation of CKD with right and left renal were found as ,in right renal length with CKD mean length was 8.914 ±1.43 and without CKD ,10.4 ± 1.2 similarly in left renal length with CKD mean length was 9.49 ± 1.48 and without CKD,10.28 ±1.14.There is also a significant correlation was found between CKD ,right and left renal echogenicity ( significant P value is .000 for right and .000 for left renal length). Conclusion: Study concluded that echogenicity and renal length can help us to estimate the severity of CKD. It also states that there is a significant association, that was found between renal echogenicity, renal length and CKD.

Accuracy of gestational age estimation using fetal kidney length in normal singleton pregnancies

Background A genuine appraise of gestational age (GA) plays a really vital part within the quality of care. Any wrong assessment can lead to perinatal morbidity and mortality from iatrogenic preterm or postnatal problems. Ultrasound estimation of fetal parameters is the premise for exact assurance of GA and detection of abnormalities of the fetal development. The choice of the foremost valuable single-biometric parameters depends on the timing and reason of the estimation and is influenced by different factors, especially in the second and third trimesters in which the evaluation of GA is accomplished by measuring the biparietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference (AC), and femur length (FL). In the second half of pregnancy, the first trimester (CRL) is more dependable than those indices that become nonreliable as the pregnancy proceeds. Aim The aim was to evaluate the accuracy of fetal kidney length as a single indicator in estimation of GA. Patients and methods In total, 50 pregnant women with normal uncomplicated singleton pregnancy were subjected to complete history taking, general abdominal examination, and ultrasound measuring of PBD, AC, FL, right, and left kidney length. Results No noteworthy distinction was found between right and left renal lengths. The mean kidney length correlated well with the assigned GA. Fetal kidney length is considered a solid parameter, regardless of the fetal sex or kidney position. Conclusion Fetal kidney length can be utilized as an exact parameter for estimation of GA either exclusively or in combination with biparietal diameter, AC, and FL.

MO181ULTRASOUND ASSESSMENT OF KIDNEY SIZE AND ITS CORRELATION WITH BODY MASS INDEX IN HEALTHY VOLUNTEERS WITHOUT RENAL DISEASE

Abstract Background and Aims Renal length as well as renal cortical thickness has been closely related to creatinine clearance in patients with chronic kidney disease. Our primary aim was to establish a normal range of values for kidney length in our adult population with normal renal function. Method This was a prospective observational study. Ultrasonographic assessment of renal parameters in 499 healthy volunteers between 18 to 80 years of age was done. Volunteers with any known renal condition or any co-morbidity were excluded from the study population. Correlation between body mass index (BMI) and renal parameters was assessed. Results Out of 499 volunteers 327 (65%) were males and 172(35%) were females. 17.8% volunteers were less than 30 years of age, 51.5% volunteers were in the age group of 30-60 years and 30.7 % were above 60 years of age. Mean BMI in males was 25.20 ± 3.96 kg/m2 whereas mean BMI in females was 24.08 ± 3.28 kg/m2. In males the mean cortical thickness in right kidney was 13.68+/- 2.47 mm and in left kidney cortical thickness was 13.94 ± 2.6 mm. In females right kidney cortical thickness was 12.63 ± 1.91 mm and left kidney cortical thickness was 13.40 ± 2.37 mm. In the present study the right mean renal length was 9.9 ± 40cm and left renal length was 10.19 ± 0.97cm. In our study, there was positive correlation BMI with renal length. Conclusion Size of kidney has significant ethnic and geographic basis and there is a positive correlation between BMI and kidney size in our study population.

Evaluation of bipolar lengths of the kidneys in healthy Sri Lankan adults in view of assessing the need for nomograms

Introduction: Renal sizes are of immense use to diagnose renal pathologies. As ethnic variations are known to influence renal sizes, we aimed to assess the ethnic variations in bipolar renal length (RL) and kidney to body height ratio (KBR) of a young adult Sri Lankan population. Methods: Healthy adults were recruited, by excluding subjects with previous renal surgeries, renal diseases, or other chronic illnesses. Bilateral RLs were measured sonographically. Results: The study sample consisted of 215 individuals (100 females) with an age range of 19-36 years (mean age=24 years). Mean right RL was 9.77±0.78cm; mean left RL was 10.16±0.83cm; mean KBR of the right kidney was 0.60±0.05mm/cm and left kidney was 0.63±0.05mm/cm. Right and left RLs and KBRs of males were 9.82±0.76cm; 10.3±0.78cm and 0.59±0.05mm/cm; 0.62±0.05mm/cm respectively and same parameters in females were 9.71±0.8cm; 10.0±0.9cm and 0.62±0.05mm/cm; 0.64±0.05mm/cm respectively. Irrespective of gender, left RL and KBR were higher than those of the right side (p Conclusions: This preliminary study can be considered as the first step in establishing age and gender specific reference values for RL and KBR for a Sri Lankan population. Due to ethnic variations, accuracy of using renal nomograms from other populations as reference values raises serious concerns.

The relationship between body mass index and renal length in obese children

Obesity in the pediatric population is a severe public health problem and is associated with various comorbidities. Renal length is an important clinical parameter for the diagnosis and follow-up of renal diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between renal length (measured ultrasonographically) and body mass index (BMI) in obese children, and to develop nomograms for renal length according to BMI. Renal ultrasound was performed in 368 children without renal disease. Each child's age, gender, weight, height, and BMI (kg/m2) were recorded. The children were divided into three groups according to BMI percentiles: obese group: BMI ≥ 95th percentile; overweight group: BMI 85th-94th percentile; normal weight group: BMI 5th-84th percentile. Weight, height, BMI, and right and left renal length differed significantly between the three groups (p = 0.001). There were significant correlations between renal length with age, weight, height, and BMI. Measurement of renal length was independently associated with BMI, age, and height. BMI was used to create renal length nomograms for obese children, based on multiple regression analysis (R2 = 0.32 and p = 0.0001). Mean renal length was highest in the obese group (96.9 ± 13.4mm) and lowest in the normal weight group (88.3 ± 12.9mm). Ultrasonographic measurement of the renal length according to BMI in children can be a useful method in evaluating these children. Smaller-than-normal kidneys can easily remain undiagnosed in obese and overweight children and this nomogram offers an additional method to evaluate the renal size in obese children.

Reference ranges for ultrasonographic renal dimensions as functions of age and body indices: A retrospective observational study in Taiwan.

An ethnicity-based reference range for normal renal size is fundamental for ultrasonographic assessment. Herein, we aimed to establish a Chinese renal reference by a large sample size, as well as to elucidate the relationship of renal dimension to age and body indices, with the aid of a comprehensive literature review. Records of 3707 healthy cases were obtained from health evaluation centers of Kaohsiung and Linkuo Chang Gung Memorial Hospitals. As a result, the mean right renal length was 10.62±0.69 cm, left renal length 10.76±0.70 cm, right renal width 4.78±0.75 cm, and left renal width 5.10±0.64 cm. Renal size was well-correlated curvilinearly to age, while linearly to body height, body weight, and body mass index. Renal size increases and then decreases with aging, and significant variations of renal size exist among different ethnicities. Our work provides a reliable reference range for renal size in the Chinese population, and valid relationships between renal dimensions and other parameters.

Ultrasonographic assessment of renal length of 310 Turkish children in the Eastern Anatolia region.

Background. Kidney size varies with age in children. It is therefore clear that a standardisation of measurements by age group is required. Objectives. To determine the normal renal length of healthy children in the Eastern Anatolia region of Turkey using ultrasonography and to study the relationship between renal length and sex, age, body height and weight, repsectively. Methods. A retrospective study of 310 children aged 0 - 16 years (150 girls and 160 boys) was performed. The children were divided into 11 age groups. Scanning was performed with a 3.5 MHz ultrasound probe in the supine position. The ultrasonographic appearance of the kidneys we measured was normal. The maximum length of each kidney was measured. The renal length was correlated with somatic parameters including age, body height and weight. Regression equations were derived for each pair of dependent and independent variables. Results. No difference was found between the renal lengths of the boys and girls ( p >0.05). The mean left renal length was greater than the right renal length, and this difference was statistically significant ( p <0.001). Renal length showed the strongest correlation with body height ( r =0.966 and r =0.958 for the right and left kidneys, respectively; p <0.001). Conclusion. It is important to know the limits of kidney size on ultrasound examination. We found that renal length showed the strongest correlation with body height. The renal length can be calculated easily by deriving a linear regression equation. We hope that our study will be useful in daily routine ultrasonography.

Ultrasonographic assessment of renal length in 310 Turkish children in the Eastern Anatolia region

Background. Kidney size varies with age in children. It is therefore clear that a standardisation of measurements by age group is required. Objectives. To determine the normal renal length of healthy children in the Eastern Anatolia region of Turkey using ultrasonography and to study the relationship between renal length and sex, age, body height and weight, repsectively. Methods. A retrospective study of 310 children aged 0 - 16 years (150 girls and 160 boys) was performed. The children were divided into 11 age groups. Scanning was performed with a 3.5 MHz ultrasound probe in the supine position. The ultrasonographic appearance of the kidneys we measured was normal. The maximum length of each kidney was measured. The renal length was correlated with somatic parameters including age, body height and weight. Regression equations were derived for each pair of dependent and independent variables. Results. No difference was found between the renal lengths of the boys and girls ( p >0.05). The mean left renal length was greater than the right renal length, and this difference was statistically significant ( p <0.001). Renal length showed the strongest correlation with body height ( r =0.966 and r =0.958 for the right and left kidneys, respectively; p <0.001). Conclusion. It is important to know the limits of kidney size on ultrasound examination. We found that renal length showed the strongest correlation with body height. The renal length can be calculated easily by deriving a linear regression equation. We hope that our study will be useful in daily routine ultrasonography.

Reference Ranges of Serum Blood Urea Nitrogen, Creatinine Concentration and Ultrasonographic Measurement of the Kidneys in Term Healthy Newborns in the Neonatal Period

Objective: Acute kidney injury is an important problem in neonates. We conducted a cross-sectional prospective study to determine normal serum blood urea nitrogen, creatinine reference ranges and ranges of ultrasonographic measurement of kidneys in healthy term newborns.Study Design: Blood samples were collected from total 357 healthy newborns at birth (n=45), 1st (n=30), 3rd (n=61), 7th (n=34), 10th (n=132), 14th (n=36), and 28th (n=19) days of life. Renal ultrasonographic was performed by the same two radiologists on 81 newborns aged 10 days. Results: Serum blood urea nitrogen and creatinine concentrations have reached to the highest level at the first day of life and have returned to cord level at the third day of life. There were gradually decrease in serum blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels after the first day of life. There were significant difference in both right and left renal length, width, and volumes in terms of gender and these parameters were statistically higher in boys than girls (p&lt;0.05). Birth weight of the boys (3548±539g) was statistically higher than girls (3307±405 g) (p=0.028). There was a positive correlation between birth weight and right (r=0.38, p=0.000) and left kidney volumes (r=0.44, p=0.000).Conclusion: Our findings showed that measured blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels changed in accordance with postnatal days and there was a positive correlation between kidney volume and birth weight of newborns. We concluded that these findings are important for evaluation of acute kidney injury and for screening of for urinary tract anomalies in neonates

Ultrasonographically determined renal values and comparisons to serum biochemistry renal variables in aged semi-captive cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus)

BackgroundCheetahs in captivity have a high prevalence of chronic renal diseases. We ultrasonographically evaluated the renal volumes, a variety of renal dimensions, interarcuate artery resistive indices (RI) as well as aortic diameters and the length of the ventral aspect of the 6th lumbar vertebrae in 27 aged semi-captive anesthetized cheetahs. Renal size, dimensions and ratios were compared to urine specific gravity, serum creatinine and urea values.ResultsThere were minimal differences for all values between left and right kidneys. Mean kidney length was 65.1 mm (range 55.2–76.9) with left kidney length ratios to L6 length being 1.60 (range 1.27–2.06) and to the aortic diameter 7.69 (range 4.54–10.72). Significant correlations between left renal length as well as length:L6 ratio to creatinine values were found ((r − 0.66) and (r − 0.60) respectively). The mean RI values of the different sedation/anesthetic protocols ranged from 0.46–0.55.ConclusionsLeft renal length and L6 ventral vertebral body length as well as left kidney RI values should be routinely measured in all cheetah abdominal ultrasound examinations. These measurements, together with serum creatinine, urea and urine specific gravity values may be relatively sensitive indicators of early renal pathology in the absence of gross ultrasonographic changes.

B-Mode and pulsed Doppler sonography of kidney in healthy sheep according to age

Abstract: There is no standardization in the literature of kidney length in sheep at different ages, as there are few studies about the access with the Doppler triplex ultrasound for the renal vascularization in this species. Eighty healthy sheep of three age groups of Ile de France and White Dorper breed were used: 20 lambs, 30 yearlings and 30 adults (8 rams and 22 ewes). Renal healthiness of the animals was confirmed by serum biochemical tests of urea and creatinine, and by observation of renal architecture with conventional ultrasound, besides measurement of vital parameters. A portable ultrasound (My LabTM30 Vet Gold Esaote®, Esaote Healthcare) device was used, with a convex transducer with 3.5MHz frequency. After identification of the kidneys in two-dimensional mode, the measurement of length in the sagittal section was performed in all sheep (n=80). Then color Doppler was activated for visualization of renal and interlobar arteries of the right kidney, and the resistivity index (RI) of the yearlings (n=30) and ewes (n=22) was measured. Biochemical tests remained within normal limits and renal architecture was preserved. The values of the right and left renal length were different between the groups, increasing with age (4.34cm and 4.31cm in lambs; 6.08cm and 6.23cm in yearlings; 7.57cm and 7.37cm in adults, respectively). Median values of RI of the renal artery were statistically different (p&lt;0.05) between the groups of yearlings (0.57) and ewes (0.52). The median RI of the interlobar artery was similar in yearlings (0.58) and ewes (0.54).

Ultrasonographic adrenal gland findings in healthy semi-captive cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus).

Cheetahs in captivity are believed to suffer from stress predisposing them to poor health. To date fecal glucocorticoids have been used as a non-invasive indicator of chronic stress. This study examines, the feasibility of transabdominal adrenal gland ultrasonography in cheetahs and determined normal adrenal measurements that can potentially be used as a more reliable indicator of chronic stress and/or adrenal function. Thirty-three adult cheetahs, aged between 2 and 13 years, accommodated in large off-display camps were examined over 9 days under general anesthesia. The adrenals were readily identified, with the right adrenal being more difficult to find and measure than the left, and were smaller than those expected in similar sized dogs. The left adrenal was shorter and slightly more oval shaped than the right with a length and cranial pole width at a 95% prediction interval of 16.3-22.4 and 4.1-8.7 mm. The same measurements for the right adrenal were 16.8-26.2 and 3.4-10.8 mm, respectively. Corticomedullary ratios were larger for the left adrenal. When corrected for body size, females had significantly longer and greater left adrenal corticomedullary ratios than males. Adrenal measurements did not correlate with left renal length, body size measurements, or enclosure size. Measurements that increased with age included the cortical and total adrenal widths. Adrenal ultrasonography offers potential benefits in assessment of individual cheetah adrenal pathology or the evaluation of stress induced adrenomegally especially in combination with other evaluations such as non-invasive fecal glucocorticoid analyses. Zoo Biol. 35:260-268, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Preoperative CT-Angiography Predicts Ex Vivo Vein Length for Right Kidneys After Laparoscopic Donor Nephrectomy

BACKGROUND Implantation of a kidney with a short renal vein is technically more challenging and therefore prone for technique-related complications. It remains unclear whether pre-operative computed tomography angiography (CTA), to assess vascular anatomy of the donor kidney, can be used to predict renal vein length. MATERIAL AND METHODS Right and left renal vein lengths of 100 consecutive kidney donors were measured in an oblique-coronal plane multiplanar reconstruction image of 100 consecutive kidney donors in whom ex vivo vein length was measured after recovery. In a second retrospective cohort of 100 consecutive kidney donors donating a right kidney, preoperative CTA vein length measurements were correlated to anastomosis time and early graft outcome. RESULTS Left and right renal vein lengths, measured on CTA, were 43.2 mm and 30.0 mm, respectively. No correlation was found between CTA and ex vivo measurements for the left renal vein (p=.610), whereas a significant correlation was found for the right renal vein (p=.021). In the retrospective cohort, right renal vein length was significantly correlated with the anastomosis time but not with early graft outcome. CONCLUSIONS The length of the right, but not the left, renal vein can be predicted by preoperative CTA, but this does not hold true for the left renal vein.

Heritability, determinants and reference values of renal length: a family-based population study

In this population-based study, reference values were generated for renal length, and the heritability and factors associated with kidney length were assessed. Anthropometric parameters and renal ultrasound measurements were assessed in randomly selected nuclear families of European ancestry (Switzerland). The adjusted narrow sense heritability of kidney size parameters was estimated by maximum likelihood assuming multivariate normality after power transformation. Gender-specific reference centiles were generated for renal length according to body height in the subset of non-diabetic non-obese participants with normal renal function. We included 374 men and 419 women (mean ± SD, age 47 ± 18 and 48 ± 17 years, BMI 26.2 ± 4 and 24.5 ± 5 kg/m(2), respectively) from 205 families. Renal length was 11.4 ± 0.8 cm in men and 10.7 ± 0.8 cm in women; there was no difference between right and left renal length. Body height, weight and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were positively associated with renal length, kidney function negatively, age quadratically, whereas gender and hypertension were not. The adjusted heritability estimates of renal length and volume were 47.3 ± 8.5 % and 45.5 ± 8.8 %, respectively (P < 0.001). The significant heritability of renal length and volume highlights the familial aggregation of this trait, independently of age and body size. Population-based references for renal length provide a useful guide for clinicians. • Renal length and volume are heritable traits, independent of age and size. • Based on a European population, gender-specific reference values/percentiles are provided for renal length. • Renal length correlates positively with body length and weight. • There was no difference between right and left renal lengths in this study. • This negates general teaching that the left kidney is larger and longer.

Abdominal and pelvic ultrasound study of the maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus)

The aim of the present study was the ultrasound characterization of the abdominal and pelvic regions of five maned wolves kept in captivity at the Triage Center of Wild Animals of the Federal University of Viçosa (Centro de Triagem de Animais Silvestres, Universidade Federal de Viçosa). This characterization included descriptions of ultrasonographic aspects and measurements of various structures using B-mode ultrasound. Biometric data were collected to assess the existence of significant linear correlations between these measurements and the measurements obtained by ultrasound. Additionally, hematological and serum biochemistry evaluations of the animals were performed. The ultrasound findings were similar to those available in the literature on domestic dogs, which were used for comparison as a result of the lack of published data regarding maned wolves. The latter species showed characteristics closely resembling those of the former, differing in the spleen and left renal cortex echogenicities, in the appearance of the prostatic and testicular regions and in the hepatic portal vein morphology. In the current study, the biometric values were similar to those previously published; however, no data regarding thoracic perimeter, modified crown-rump length or thoracic depth were found in the literature for this Canidae species. Statistical analysis showed the existence of a strong negative correlation between the modified crown-rump length and left renal length, between the modified crown-rump length and the right renal volume, between the thoracic perimeter and the height at the cranial pole of the left adrenal gland and between the thoracic perimeter and the height at the caudal pole of the left adrenal gland. Laboratory findings, including segmented neutrophil, eosinophil, monocyte and lymphocyte counts and the serum levels of glucose, ALT, alkaline phosphatase, urea, total protein, globulin, creatine phosphokinase, triglyceride, sodium, phosphate, potassium and chloride, were inconsistent with values found by other authors. The ultrasound is a diagnostic imaging method that must be further explored in the medicine of wild animals; therefore, additional research in this area is required.

Renal complications of sickle cell anemia in Zaria, Nigeria: An ultrasonographic assessment

Background: Vaso-occlusion in the kidney is a capillary phenomenon. Renal medullary hyperosmolalrity and low oxygen tension encourage the maximum formation of sickled red cells. In addition, the glomerular loops constitute an aggregating point for the sickled red cells with subsequent obstruction to the blood flow. These factors, together with the large volume of blood flowing through the kidneys make renal complications inevitable in sickle cell anemia (SCA). Aim: The purpose of this prospective study was to report the renal sonographic findings of a sample of patients with hemoglobin electrophoretic pattern consistent with sickle cell anemia Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional prospective study of 74 patients with the diagnosis of SCA, as documented by electrophoresis and who attended the adult sickle cell clinic, Hematology Department of the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria and 20 age-matched controls with a normal hemoglobin (HbAA) phenotype and with no history of renal disease, was carried out between April and December, 2010. None of the patients had any clinical evidence of acute sickle episode (crisis) at the time of ultrasonographic examination. B-mode ultrasonography with Aloka SSD-3500 was used to assess the kidneys. The hematological parameters were determined by multiparameter analyzer Sysmex XT 2000i, whereas creatinine and urea of the patients were also analyzed using the Selectra XL chemistry autoanalyzer. Results: Renal size of the study group was compared with that of the control group and it showed a significant increase in the adult patients with SCA (P<0.05). The mean right renal length in the study group and control group was 10.65±0.97 cm and 9.95±0.80 cm (P<0.001), respectively, whereas the mean left renal length in the study group and control group was 10.70±1.02 cm and 10.00±0.66 cm (P<0.001), respectively. Statistical relationships between renal length and some hematological indices (packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell count, and reticulocyte count) showed no correlation but renal length was positively correlated with reticulocyte count, especially high reticulocyte count. Other findings documented and discussed include echogenicity of renal parenchyma, hydronephrosis, and papillary necrosis. Conclusion: Renal ultrasound imaging of patients with SCA showed a high incidence of renal abnormalities.

Sex differences in kidney size and clinical features of patients with uremia

Ultrasonographic evaluation of the kidney size is a useful method for assessment of the progression and, in some cases, the type of nephropathy. Ultrasonography (USG) also plays an important role in the evaluation of both acute and chronic renal failure. To investigate the ultrasonographic appearance of the kidneys in patients with uremia, underlying renal diseases and clinical characteristics, including biological sex, were studied. This was a retrospective study of data from consecutive adult patients with uremia starting a dialysis program between January 2005 and December 2006 at the nephrology department of a university hospital in Taiwan. Kidney size was determined by USG; demographic and clinical data were obtained prior to initiation of dialysis. Of the patients (167 men, 151 women) included in the analysis, diabetes mellitus (DM) was the leading cause of uremia (127/318; 39.9%). The distribution of DM was similar between male and female patients. In addition to levels of blood urea nitrogen and hemoglobin, body mass index was similar between male and female patients (mean [SD], 22.9 [3.1] vs 22.1 [3.4] kg/m(2), respectively). Female patients had significantly lower serum creatinine levels (P < 0.05) and higher estimated glomerular filtration rates (P < 0.01) than did male patients when they initiated chronic dialysis therapy. Among those with DM, male patients were younger and had larger kidney size on initiation of dialysis therapy than did female patients (age, 59.9 [9.4] vs 64.6 [11.9] years; right renal length, 10.3 [1.4] vs 9.5 [1.5] cm; left renal length, 10.4 [1.5] vs 9.5 [1.4] cm; all, P < 0.05). These sex differences in age and kidney size at the start of dialysis were not observed in patients who did not have DM. Patients with DM had significantly larger kidney size than those without DM (P < 0.05). The kidney size of these uremic patients varied considerably, depending on sex and the underlying disease. Male patients with DM at the terminal stage of renal failure had larger kidney size and were younger at the start of dialysis therapy than female patients with DM. In uremic patients without DM, no such discrepancy was observed, and both male and female patients started dialysis therapy at a comparable age and kidney size.