Volume Changes in Polycystic Kidneys during Chronic Dialysis and after Renal Transplantation

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Abstract
Renal volume was determined by repeated CT [computed tomography] scanning in 26 patients with adult polycystic kidney disease after institution of replacement therapy for terminal renal failure. The patients (13), treated for an average period of 6.7 yr (SD 3.4, range 1.1-13.7), had a functioning necrokidney graft at the close of the study and had been grafted for 80.8% (SD 18) of the total treatment time. They showed a reduction of renal volume averaging 1.07% (SD 0.89)/mo. Patients (13), treated for an average period of 5.7 yr (SD 3.3, range 1.2-12.2), were on dialysis at the close of the study. Four had been on dialysis only, 9 had carried 1 or more (rejected) necrokidney grafts for 22.8% (SD 25) of the total treatment time. Three of them showed a signficant increase in renal volume; 10 showed a decrease. The average change of renal volume in the entire group was -0.28% (SD 1.36)/mo., significantly smaller than in the transplanted patients (P < 0.01). Polycystic kidneys apparently shrink after successful grafting, whereas volume changes vary on dialysis treatment.