Electrorenogram in renal pathologic conditions.
OBJECTIVE
A recent study in dogs has shown that the kidney generates electric waves, and a characteristic electrorenogram (ERG) pattern was found for the normal kidney. In the current communication the ERG pattern in the normal human kidney and under various pathologic renal conditions was studied.


METHODS
The study comprised 12 patients with chronic renal failure, 14 with hydronephrosis, 10 with renal cell carcinoma, 10 after nephrectomy and 12 healthy volunteers. Three Beckman electrodes were applied to the loin skin and 20-min recording sessions were performed at least twice for each subject.


RESULTS
Electric waves were recorded from the 3 electrodes applied to the normal kidney. They showed the same frequency and amplitude from the 3 electrodes. Chronically failing kidneys exhibited 2 ERG patterns: 'bradyarrhythmia' for early cases, and 'silent' for advanced cases. The functioning hydronephrotic kidney had a bradyarrhythmic pattern while the nonfunctioning kidney displayed a silent ERG. Malignant renal tissue revealed a 'tachyarrhythmic' pattern. Nephrectomized patients showed a silent ERG.


CONCLUSIONS
An ERG pattern was identified for the normal human kidney. Different patterns were found under the various pathologic renal conditions. The technique, being easy, noninvasive and nonradiologic, is suggested to be included as an investigative tool in the diagnosis of renal conditions.
Shafik
A
A
Department of Surgery and Experimental Research, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002292:Carcinoma, Renal Cell / Q000503:physiopathology; D004594:Electrophysiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006869:Hydronephrosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D007668:Kidney / Q000502:physiology*; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology*; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000503:physiopathology; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged