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Additional extrarenal abnormalities seen in Tc-99m DTPA renal flow study.
W J Shih1, C Riley, P A Domstad
1Nuclear Medicine and Radiology Services, Veterans Administration Medical Center, Lexington, KY.
Radiation Medicine
|March 1, 1988
Summary
Technetium-99m DTPA renal flow studies can reveal unexpected extrarenal findings. These include aortic issues, spleen abnormalities, and even signs of malignancy or anemia.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear medicine
- Radiology
- Medical imaging
Background:
- 99mTc-DTPA renal scintigraphy is primarily used for assessing kidney function.
- Extrarenal findings during these studies are often incidental observations.
Observation:
- Aortic abnormalities such as aneurysm, ectasia, thrombosis, and decreased flow.
- Splenic abnormalities including enlargement, small size, or absence.
- Hepatic arterialization and generalized slow circulation.
Findings:
- The study identifies previously noted extrarenal abnormalities.
- Three additional pathologies are highlighted: pleural effusions, abdominal malignancy, and anemia/skeletal metastases.
- These findings can occur concomitantly with renal flow studies.
Implications:
- Broadens the diagnostic utility of 99mTc-DTPA renal scans beyond renal evaluation.
- Highlights the importance of recognizing incidental extrarenal findings.
- Suggests potential for early detection of systemic diseases through renal scintigraphy.