Left Renal Cortical Thickness Measured by Ultrasound Can Predict Early Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease

摘要

Aims:The kidney becomes atrophic in advanced chronic kidney disease, and renal size and parenchymal volume correlate with renal function. However, alterations in renal parenchymal volume have not been adequately studied in terms of the renal cortex and medulla. We investigated the relationship between the changes in the renal cortex and medulla and renal function. Methods: Renal ultrasound (US) parameters including renal length, parenchymal thickness, cortical thickness and medullary thickness were assessed in 176 subjects, who were categorized into 4 groups based on the estimated glomerular filtration rate (ml/min/1.73 m2): group 1, >90; group 2, >60 but <90; group 3, >30 but <60; and group 4, <30. Renal US parameters in both kidneys were compared among the 4 groups. Results: We found stepwise associations in renal length, cortical thickness and parenchymal thickness with decreased renal function. Medullary thickness showed no changes among groups 1-3.