CT assessment in patients who are candidates for kidney transplantation: Benefits and indications

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IntroductionScreening for neoplasms and vascular calcifications is a key stage before kidney transplantation. The American, European, and French guidelines diverge on the imaging assessment to be carried out in this context.MethodWe carried out a retrospective single-center study that included patients who underwent imaging for kidney transplantation between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2018. The neoplasms and vascular calcifications revealed by this assessment were noted.ResultsA total of 579 patients were included: 293 had a chest CT scan, and 579 had an abdomen and pelvic CT scan. The imaging work-up revealed 5 malignant thoracic tumors, 14 malignant abdominal tumors, and 140 significant calcifications of the external iliac arteries. All malignant chest tumors were found in patients with tobacco consumption estimated as greater than or equal to 30 PY.DiscussionLike the American guidelines, our results are in favor of performing a chest CT scan in patients with tobacco consumption greater than or equal to 30 PY. Contrary to the American and European recommendations, our results are in favor of performing an abdomen and pelvic CT scan in all patients.ConclusionScreening for vascular calcifications and neoplasms in kidney transplant candidates should include routine abdomen and pelvic CT and chest CT for patients with tobacco consumption greater than or equal to 30 PY.