Ultrasonographic renal parenchymal volume related to kidney function and renal parenchymal area in children with recurrent urinary tract infections and asymptomatic bacteriuria.

A comparison of the relationship that might exist between ultrasonographically calculated renal parenchymal volume and renal parenchymal area assessed from urography and also between renal parenchymal volume and kidney function was conducted in a series of 26 children with recurrent urinary tract infection or asymptomatic bacteriuria. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was determined by the clearance of inulin, renal parenchymal area was measured from urography and renal parenchymal volume was calculated from sequential longitudinal scans of the kidney using an automated water-delay ultrasonographic equipment (Octoson). High correlation was found between 1) renal parenchymal volume and GFR, 2) renal parenchymal volume and renal parenchymal area and 3) renal parenchymal area and GFR. Octoson ultrasonographic determination of renal parenchymal volume is a reliable method to evaluate glomerular filtration rate and renal parenchymal area in children with recurrent urinary tract infections and asymptomatic bacteriuria.