Diagnostic value of kidney length and volume in sonography for determining kidney scar among infants with urinary infection

Background: Diagnosis of kidney scar could prevent vesico urethral reflax and its complications such as hypertension and renal failure. This study was conducted to determine average kidney length and volume in infants by sonography to accurate diagnosis of scars.

Methods: This study was conducted on infants with the history of UTI who referred to Imam Reza Hospital, Kermanshah Iran, for DMSA scan. They underwent kidney sonography before DMSA scan. Difference in kidney length and volume were calculated and data was recorded and were analyzed using statistical tests.

Results: Right kidney length was less than left in 60% of right kidney scars this rate was 77.8% in nonscar patients (P=0.657). Left kidney length was less than right in 50% of left kidney scar and that was 22% in nonscar patients (P=0.241). Kidney volume was smaller than other side in 55.6% of right kidney scar and 62.5% of left kidney scar. Higher length detected in 100% and 47% of right and left kidney inflammation respectively. Higher volume detected in 40% and 76.5% of right and left kidney inflammation.

Conclusion: In comparison with other studies suggesting kidney length as a valuble predictor for diagnosis of scar we did not find any relationship between scar and kidney length or volume.