99mTc-MAG3 renography: normal values for MAG3 clearance and curve parameters, excretory parameters, and residual...

Specific quantitative measurements have been recommended to assist in the interpretation of technetium-99m mercaptoacetyltriglycine (MAG3) renal studies. Our objective was to define the sex- and age-specific normal ranges for these recommended parameters.

Data were obtained from a retrospective analysis of 106 subjects who were evaluated for kidney donation. The MAG3 clearance was calculated using a common camera-based method. The relative uptake, prevoid/postvoid and postvoid/maximum count ratios were determined using whole-kidney regions of interest (ROIs). Time to peak, time to half-peak, 20 min/maximum and 20 min/2-3 min count ratios were determined for cortical and whole-kidney ROIs. Residual urine volume was calculated on the basis of the pre- and postvoid bladder counts and voided urine volume.

The mean camera-based MAG3 clearance was 321 +/- 69 mL/min/1.73 m2, essentially the same as the mean plasma sample MAG3 clearance in comparable populations. The percentages of relative uptake in the right and left kidneys were 49% and 51% +/- 4%, respectively; no difference was seen between men and women. Cortical values were lower than the whole-kidney values (p < 0.001); the mean cortical 20 min/maximum count ratio was 0.19 (SD, 0.07 and 0.04 for right and left kidneys, respectively). The mean postvoid/maximum whole-kidney count ratio was < 0.1, and the mean postvoid residual bladder volume was < 30 mL.

Normal limits adjusted for age and sex have been established. Applying normal ranges to quantitative MAG3 parameters may assist in the interpretation of MAG3 scintigraphy and facilitate appropriate patient management.