Department of Nuclear Medicine, Sher-i-Kashmir institute of Medical Sciences. Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
*Correspondence to: Shoukat H. Khan (Assistant Professor) Nuclear Medicine, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, J & K-190011. Fax: 0194-2403470 Tel: 0194-2401013-16, Ext: 2599, 2224. e-mail: drshkhan511@hotmail.com
Aim: To study the clinical profile and results of Tc – 99m DTPA renal scintigraphy in patients with renal ectopia.
Material and Methods: Retrospective analysis of 53 patients from 1998–2003 (June) found to have ectopic kidney's on Tc – 99m DTPA renal scintigraphy are presented in this study. The clinical profile and scintigraphy findings of all the patients were analyzed. The observations were compared with findings of other diagnostic modalities like ultrasonography and intravenous pyelography.
Results: Ectopic kidneys were found more common among males (55%) and involved more often the left kidney (55%). Pelvic position (43%) was the most favoured. 6 (12%) patients had crossed ectopia. The mean differential function in ectopic kidneys was 25% and the mean differential glomerular filtration rate was 25 ml per minute. Evidence of outflow obstruction among ectopic kidneys was present in 38% of patients. Pain was the commonest symptom at presentation. Radiological and sonographic examination prior to renal scintigraphy had failed to locate the ectopic kidney in a significant number of patients.
Conclusion: Renal scintigraphy must be done in all the patients with ectopic kidney even if detected by other diagnostic tools in order to estimate their functional status and devise an optimal management strategy. Tc – 99m DTPA renal scintigraphy is an effective alternative to widely recommended Tc – 99m Dimercaptosuccinic acid (Tc – 99m DMSA) renal cortical scintigraphy for evaluation of ectopic kidney.
Renal scintigraphy, Ectopic kidney, Tc – 99m DTPA
