[Comparative evaluation of the function of each kidney using Tc 99m DTPA]

To evaluate the clinical validity of 99m Tc DTPA renal investigation, we have studied 60 patients with different renal diseases: 1) Renovascular hypertension (22 patients); 2) Chronic pyelonephritis (11 patients); 3) Renal hypoplasia (12 patients); 4) Bilateral parenchymatous nephropathy with hypertension (15 patients). We observed a good correlation between the creatinine clearance and the total DTPA clearance (N = 51: r = 0.68; p less than 0.001); and also a good correlation between the respective renal surface extrapolated from renal X-Rays, and the respective renal function of each kidney (expressed in percentage) measured from DTPA data. This correlation is higher in group 1 and lower in group 2. From individual kidney function percentage and glomerular filtration rate measurement or estimation, we could calculate the GFR of each kidney, which serves as a guideline for surgical decisions.