Patlak plot analysis CT-GFR for the determination of renal function: comparison of normal dogs with autologous kidney transplant dogs.

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) can be determined using Patlak plot analysis with single-slice dynamic computed tomography (CT). Acute autologous graft failure has several causes, all of which induce a measurable decrease in glomerular filtration rate. This study demonstrated in an experimental model of canine autologous renal transplant that CT-derived renal plasma clearance was significantly lower (p = 0.002) in dogs having undergone transplant (0.077 +/- 0.058 ml min(-1) ml renal tissue(-1)) compared with control dogs (0.396 +/- 0.139 ml min(-1) ml renal tissue(-1)). A significant negative curvilinear relationship was seen between serum creatinine and total renal plasma clearance (R(2) = 0.84, p = 0.0001). Alterations in renal time attenuation curve shape in dogs having undergone transplant may have been related to increased renal vascular resistance related to tubular necrosis. CT-GFR may be a useful experimental tool in the evaluation of renal dysfunction in transplant models.