Evaluation of the Relationship between Perirenal Fat Volume and Nephrolithiasis

Abstract

Objective: To examine the relation between perirenal fat volume, which is one of the visceral fat measurements, and kidney stones. Method: 169 patients admitted to our clinic between January 2018 and May 2021 were included in the study. The patients were divided into 2 groups as Control Group and Unilateral Kidney Stone Group (88 patients with unilateral kidney stones). Contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomography scans were used to measure perirenal fat volume and the results were transferred to workstations. The total perirenal fat volumes in the bilateral kidneys of patients were compared between the two groups. The perirenal fat volume in stone-bearing and non-stone bearing kidneys of patients were also compared. Results: The total perirenal fat volume was higher in the Unilateral Kidney Stone Group than in the other groups and the perirenal fat volume of the patients in this group was higher in the stone bearing kidney (295.6±164.4cm3) than in the non-stone bearing kidney (273.1±179.6cm3). In the ROC analysis, it was concluded that total perirenal fat volume>387cm3 increased the risk of kidney stones. Presence of hypertension, presence of hyperlipidemia and total perirenal fat volume>387cm3 were found to be independent risk factors for the presence of kidney stones. Conclusion: Perirenal fat volume is higher in stone bearing kidneys compared to non-stone bearing kidneys. Therefore, stone formation in a kidney is directly related to the perirenal fat volume of that kidney. Also, total perirenal fat volume>387cm3 increases the risk of kidney stones independently of body mass index, and predicts it better.