[Determination of differential renal function using 99m Tc-DMSA scintigraphy]

By examination of 331 patients, using 99mTc-DMSA, the authors confirmed that static scintigraphy is an accurate method for assessment of the separate renal function. In four groups of patients with different positions of the kidneys the authors proved that correction for different absorption of gamma radiation from the left and right kidney is essential. Without correction results with a significant error are obtained, in particular in patients with an asymmetric position of the kidneys, where the results calculated without correction cannot be used for clinical purposes. The results are not influenced by the time interval between administration of the radiopharmaceutical preparation and examinations within an interval of 2 to 4 hours, with the exception of patients with severe obstructive uropathy. For assessment of the relative function of the kidneys it is better to examine the patient in a vertical position. The reproducibility of results in repeated examinations and repeated evaluation is excellent.