99mTc-DMSA Renal Scan
Advantages
This is a noninvasive technique, that gives an excellent visualization of the kidney parenchyma.
Its performance as diagnostic test is in general better than ultrasound, and other anatomic imaging modalities to detect acute and chronic parenchymal damage due to infections.
Additionally, it is a quantitative method and can be used to calculate relative global and segmental function. It is feasible to compare the uptake of each kidney to the total of both organs in percentages. Or to estimate the relative contribution of a half or third of one kidney in regard to one or the two organs.
It is
adequate for monitoring therapy
or changes in the parenchyma or relative function.
Disadvantages
Radiation dose to the kidney cortex is relatively high and it is a concern especially in children. See Radiation Doses.
Another one is the limited spatial resolution, proper of the scintigraphic techniques, that precludes the detection of small lesions.
Likewise, specificity may be a drawback, but this is compensated if the interpretation takes into account the clinical picture.
Study Protocol Essential Anatomy
Clinical Applications Normal Values