Evaluation of Renal Function in Children by Tc-99m DTPA Scintigraphy

Aim: Dynamic renal scintigraphy can demonstrate both structural and functional renal pathologies. Our aim was to evaluate renal functions in children by technetium-99m diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (Tc-99m DTPA) dynamic renal scintigraphy, and todetermine the frequency of scintigraphically detectable atrophic kidneys. Material and Method: Dynamic renal scintigraphy studies of 17 children (12 males, five females) with urinary system complaints, having a mean age of 6.15 ± 4.41 years, were included in this retrospective study. Images were obtained with a dual-head gamma camera after intravenous (IV) injection of Tc-99m DTPA. Results: The functions of 34 kidneys were evaluated. Decreased perfusion of the left and right kidneys was detected in 35.3% (n=6/17) and 11.8% (n=2/17) of cases, respectively. Prolongation in Tmax of the left and right kidneys was shown in 52.9% (n=9/17) and 29.4% (n=5/17) of the cases, respectively. Glomerular filtration rate of the left and right kidneys was normal in 64.7% (n=11/17) and 88.2% (n=15/17) of cases, respectively. Delayed excretion of the left and right kidneys wasdetected in 29.4% (n=5/17) and 11.8% (n=2/17) of cases, respectively. Stasis of urine in the left and right kidneys which responded to IV diuretics wasdemonstrated in 58.8% (n=10/17) and 70.6% (n=12/17) of cases, respectively. Dynamic renal scintigraphy findings in favour of left and right renal atrophy were obtained in 17.6% (n=3/17) and 5.9% (n=1/17) of cases, respectively. Discussion: Dynamic renal scintigraphy with Tc-99m DTPA was found to be useful in the evaluation of renal functions of children and in determining the frequency of atrophic kidneys