Validity of 99m Tc Dimercaptosuccinic Acid Renal Uptake for an Assessment of Individual Kidney Function

Abstract

99mTc-Dimercaptosuccinic acid is a new renal scanning agent that provides a good quality of renal image as a result of preferential cortical accumulation and also makes feasible a quantitative assessment of separate kidney function, correlating well with renal plasma flow obtained from a 131I-hippuran renogram of each kidney. By measuring the dimercaptosuccinic acid uptake, the cortical functioning nephrons were determined independently of the activity from the urinary outflow tract. Such evaluations may replace the conventional split renal function study in which traumatic procedures, such as cystoscopy and ureteral catheterizations, are required. 99mTc-Dimercaptosuccinic acid scintigraphy causes less discomfort to the patient and can be performed repeatedly and routinely even in children and debilitated geriatric patients.