[Radionuclide studies in the surveillance of the renal transplant]

Since Collins et al. first reported in 1963 that ortho-iodohippurate is taken up by the parenchyma, much progress has been made in isotope techniques. Advances have been made in the performance of the gamma cameras and the associated data processing. A major step was the introduction of tracers for studying renal function. More than an imagery technique, scintigraphy is a means of exploring of organ function. Its non-invasiveness and the low patient irradiation allow for repeated use, especially for long term follow ups. It is therefore important to precisely define the role of scintigraphic techniques in the follow up of renal transplantations in coordination with other techniques including echography.