Parameters of 99mTc-DTPA transfer function in renal artery stenosis

A new method is presented for decomposition of 99mTc-DTPA renal transfer functions (TF) into their capillary and tubular parts. Amplitudes and mean transit times of both parts were calculated and used for quantitative evaluation of renal perfusion, extraction and transport in 21 patients with renal artery stenosis. The amplitudes showed a positive correlation to the effective renal plasma flow and a negative correlation to the grade of stenosis. The parameters of TF are independent of the contralateral kidney, so they can be used for screening for renovascular disease as well as for pre- and postoperative evaluation of kidneys even in cases of bilateral disease.