Compensatory Structural and Functional Changes in the Kidney1

SUMMARY 1. The radiographic assessment of the renal size and the factors influencing renal hypertrophy are discussed. 2. The importance of compensatory hypertrophy and its prognostic significance is emphasised. These changes are correlated with renal function as measured by the glomerular filtration rate and renal plasma flow. 3. Renal hypertrophy is considered in its relationship to the recovery of function following relief of ureteric obstruction. We wish to thank Mr J. C. Anderson, O.B.E., under whose care several of the patients were admitted, and Dr R. G. Grainger for the aortogram of Figure 6.