Nuclear Nephrology Division

Radionuclide Renal Scintigraphy provides important anatomical and functional information to assist in the diagnosis and management of patients with a variety of suspected genito-urinary problems. The available tests at NINMAS are:
1. Kidney DTPA studies (Renogram)
2. Static kidney scan-Planar & SPECT (DMSA).
3. Glomerular Filteration Rate (GFR) + Renogram (Camera)
4. GFR (Camera)
5. Captopril Renogram
6. Vesico-ureteric reflux (VUR)
7. Testicular scan
DTPA study (Renogram): About 3-5 mCi of 99mTc DTPA is injected and dynamic renogram is performed for 30 minutes. By adding diuretic to the study; it can be distinguished between obstructive hydronephrosis and non-obstructive collecting system dilatation of the kidneys.

Static scan:About 4 to 5 mCi of 99m Tc DMSA is administered intravenously to the patients and 2 hours delayed renal imaging are performed by gamma camera. This study can detect structural and congenital abnormalities, tumor and other causes of metastases in some cases.

Captopril Renogram: Renal etiology or causes attribute to about 1 -4% cases of hypertension. This study aid in the detection of renovascular hypertension due to renal artery stenosis.

DTPA Renogram and GFR: Serum Creatinine is most available method for detection of renal status. But GFR can detect early and more accurately before any change in serum creatinine level.

Radionuclide Cystography/ Vesicoureteric reflux study: It is the technique of choice for the evaluation and follow-up of children with suspected vesicoureteral reflux. It is done in two ways: direct method with direct injection of radiopharmaceuticals in the urinary bladder and indirect method along with DTPA renogram.

Renal transplant evaluation: Radionuclide imaging using 99mTc-DTPA is a useful tool in evaluating medical and surgical complications of renal transplant e.g. acute tubular necrosis, rejection and surgical mishaps like urinoma, lymphocele, hematoma, ureteral obstruction and vascular complications.