[Sequential scintigraphy in the investigation of changes in renal function during pregnancy (author's transl)]

Changes in renal function during pregnancy were studied by sequential scintigraphy in 16 women with normal kidneys. The examinations were carried out during the first and third trimesters. Time activity curves were obtained by a computer-assisted storage and analysis procedure, using a "region of interest" technique for renal parenchyma and renal pelvis. The study included topographic changes and the evaluation of 13 semi-quantitative parameters related to the renal parenchyma and of nine parameters related to the renal pelvis. The results were demonstrated graphically. The predominantly rightsided changes in renal function during the third trimester are discussed in relation to the relevant literature.