Renal Study: Tubular Function

Overview

Tc-99m-DMSA is cleared from the blood into the renal tubular cells, but is not secreted into the tubular lumen. Thus, the Tubular Function Study depicts tubular function without interference from radioactivity in the collecting system.

Indications

  • Diagnosis of acute and chronic pyelonephritis.
  • Differentiation of renal masses from normal variants.
  • Quantification of regional renal function.
  • Evaluation space-occupying lesions.
  • Functioning pseudotumors such as columns of Bertin.

Study Description

The patient is positioned on the imaging table with the camera detector adjusted to image from the posterior projection. The radiopharmaceutical will be administered and a dynamic study (a rapid series of short duration images) will immediately be acquired to assess the blood flow to the kidney. The patient will then leave and return in 3 hours. Images will be taken for 15 minutes when they return.

Examination Time

  • Initially, 15 minutes for injection of the radiopharmaceutical.
  • Delayed images at 3 hours. 15 minutes for image acquisition.

Patient Preparation

  • Ensure the patient is not pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • None