Detection of congenital renal anomalies in children being investigated by Tc99m-DMSA renal scan

ABSTRACT

To describe various types of congenital renal anomalies incidentally detected during routine DMSA scan in children with urinary tract infection, and to compare the incidence of scarring in patients with and without renal anomalies. This study included 400 subjects [138 boys and 262 girls], age range [one month to 15 years / Mean= 5.6 years]. In the period between May to December 2009, children were referred to Nuclear Medicine Center for Tc 99m DMSA scan to rule out renal scarring. Congenital anomalies appearance, scarring and function of kidneys were documented. Pearson correlation was used in statistical analysis and P<0.05 was considered significant. There were 55 cases of congenital kidney anomalies in our study [13.75%], within 29 boys and 26 girls. The most common congenital anomaly was single kidney seen in 17 cases [4.25%]. Renal scarring was detected in 31.25% of total cases [125 cases out of 400 cases], 30.9% of congenital anomalous kidneys [17 out of 55 cases], and in 31.3% of non-anomalous kidneys [108 out of 345 cases]. Congenital renal anomalies are not uncommon. Tc 99m DMSA scan is an adequate imaging modality to detect these anomalies and assess renal scarring. Patients with congenital anomalies did not show an increase in renal scarring compared to non-anomalous kidneys