Establishing Reference Ranges for Pediatric Kidney Size Using Multidetector Computed Tomography in Pakistani Children

Abstract

Precise reference ranges in terms of kidney size in pediatrics is crucial to diagnose renal pathologies and make proper clinical decisions in pediatric nephrology. Although imaging technology has been advanced, no population-specific computed tomography (CT)-based norms of the renal size are available in Pakistani children. The purpose of the study was to analyze the Multidetector Computed Tomography (MDCT) as a normative range of measurements of kidney length, width, thickness and volume in a representative sample of Pakistani children. We retrospectively analyzed reading of MDCT scans of children aged between 0 and 18 years and we used measurements as an indicator that was compared to demographic factors such as age, height, weight, and body surface area. The findings revealed a steady growth in kidney sizes with age and somatic growth parameters, and were the first CT-based pediatric renal reference data showed in this population. These reference ranges will help the radiologist and clinician to better assess the development of the kidney and promptly detect pathological deviations in Pakistani children.