Survey on the Use of Nuclear Renal Imaging in the United States

Throughout the years, the role of nuclear medicine departments in the care of renal patients has changed as a result of technologic advancements and other factors. This study evaluated the current role of nuclear renal imaging.

A survey was generated with questions about patient populations, the clinical indications most often seen, radiopharmaceutical use, measurement techniques, the average number of scans completed, and medical center/transplant team affiliations. The survey was sent to recipients on a mailing list acquired from the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board.

Most of the responses came from departments in the southeastern United States. Most of the patient population is suburban. Nephrologists are the most common referring physicians for renal imaging. Most departments complete fewer than 10 renograms per month, and most departments use ^99mTc-mercaptoacetyltriglycine as the radiopharmaceutical of choice. A camera-based measurement technique is used most often. Most departments report being affiliated with a medical center, but only about half of those medical centers perform renal transplantation. The most commonly seen clinical indication for renal imaging is renal obstruction, whereas the least commonly seen is urine leakage.

These results provide a better understanding of the current role of nuclear medicine in the care of renal patients and how this role has changed over the years.