Evaluation of renal scars by technetium-99 m labeled dimercaptosuccinis acid scan and ultrasonography: a comparative study

ABSTRACT

This study was performed to compare and contrast ultrasonography and Tc 99m dimercaptosuccinic acid scintigraphy in the diagnosis of renal scars. This is a prospective study of a random sample of 15 children with proven UTI. All patients were assessed for the development of renal scar by US and DMSA scan. The sensitivity and specificity of both methods in the detection of renal scar were calculated. Vesico-ureteric reflux was demonstrable in 15 kidneys by both methods. US and DMSA scan were in agreement in 18 normal and in six scarred kidneys. Five scarred kidneys were detected by DMSA only and one by US. The sensitivity and specificity for DMSA scan and US were 94%, 100%, 67% and 96% respectively. All children with vesico-uretic reflex and / or UTI should have DMSA scan and US. Follow-up depends on method of detection and should be by US in all US positive cases and by DMSA scan if it was the only postive diagnostic modality