Renal hyperconcentration of 99mTc-HEDP in experimental acute tubular necrosis

The effect of transient renal ischemia on renal concentration and distribution of 99mTc-HEDP, 99mTc-DMSA, and 99mTc-DTPA was compared in rabbits with acute tubular necrosis. Scintigrams were obtained after injection in normal rabbits or ones with unilateral or bilateral ischemia. 99mTc-HEDP concentration in ischemic tissue was 8 to 18 times normal 1--4 hours after injection, and the resulting images delineated the morphological changes in the ischemic kidneys more accurately than those obtained with DMSA or DTPA. Calcium concentration in the ischemic kidneys increased sixfold. 99mTc-HEDP may be useful in evaluation of renal failure secondary to tubular injury.