Alternative processing of renographic data for use in children and agitated adult patients

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to describe an alternative method for processing [99mTc]-diethylene-triamine pentaacetate ([99mTc]-DTPA) renographic data which is unaffected by patient movement and which only requires the patient to be on the imaging table during the early and late examination phases. Methods: The analysis is based on early image series (0-2½ min postinjection) and late image series (the last 5 min). Regions of interest (ROIs) over the kidneys, renal parenchyma and renal backgrounds were created in both sets of images. A robust method for determination without deconvolution of mean transit time indices for the whole kidney and renal parenchyma was established. Estimation of renal volume was possible using a geometrical method. Results: Simulation studies and studies in patients showed a close relationship between the mean transit times using deconvolution and the corresponding mean transit time indices. Conclusions: The alternative method is recommended to be applied in those agitated patients, children in particular, where sedation is either contraindicated or not relevant and in cases where the effective acquisition time should be kept at a minimum