Prevalence and risk factors of perirenal hyperintensities on T2-weighted MR imaging.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence and severity of perirenal hyperintensities (PRHs) on T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and their risk factors in the general population. METHODS: 1752 participants (910 women, 842 men, median age: 52 years) of the Study of Health in Pomerania were included. A visual classification system was established to assess the severity of PRHs (stage 0: no PRHs visible to stage 3: extensive PRHs visible). The MRI-derived thickness of the perirenal and posterior pararenal space and additional risk factors were determined and associated with PRH stages. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of PRHs was 40.7% and was higher in men than in women. PRHs were more common around the left compared to the right kidney (p   0.05). CONCLUSIONS: PRHs are common in the general population, with a higher prevalence in men, elderly individuals, and around the left kidney. Furthermore, BMI, posterior pararenal space thickness, and current smoking, but not renal function itself, are associated with the presence of PRHs.