title: Radiologic evaluation of simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation.
abstract: We describe the radiographic imaging modalities that were used in the first twelve consecutive patients who have undergone simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation (SPK) at our institution. The total number of examinations undertaken in this study included ultrasound (n = 22), radionucleide scanning (n = 19), cystography (n = 14), computed tomography (n = 2) and magnetic resonance imaging (n = 1). Eighteen percent (5/22) ultrasound examinations were abnormal (perirenal collection [n = 4], peri-pancreatic collection [n = 1]. Two collections required aspiration and were confirmed as lymphocoeles. Cystography showed ureteric reflux in two patients and radionucleide DTPA scanning revealed a delay in the excretory phase in 20% of patients. CT was used in two patients with SPK and demonstrated large peri-pancreatic collections. No episodes of rejection or late graft pancreatitis were noted in this series. We discuss the role of radiographic imaging in detecting early graft failure and also in defining the surgical complications that may arise following transplantation. We also outline the merits and disadvantages of each imaging modality. We conclude that the most useful initial imaging techniques in the evaluation of patients following SPK are ultrasound including Doppler and nuclear medicine.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin.
authors.forename: D B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Stafford Johnson
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Keeling
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: McGrath
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Hickey
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006085:Graft Survival; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D016035:Pancreas Transplantation / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014463:Ultrasonography