The Role of Tc-99m Dimercaptosuccinic Acid Renal Cortical Scintigraphy in Acute and Recurrent Episodes of Renal Infarction in a Patient With a Tendency Toward Thrombosis

Abstract

Tc-99m dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) renal cortical scintigraphy (RCS) of a 46-year-old man with abdominal and right flank pain who had history of a tendency toward thrombosis revealed extensive renal parenchymal changes secondary to renal infarction and a small size defect in the right kidney in addition to the patient's prior computed tomography results. The patient had Coumadin treatment. Two months later, he was referred to the hospital with the same symptoms. DMSA RCS established that the small defect in the right kidney had enlarged; other scarred areas persisted. This case indicates the value of DMSA RCS for early diagnosis, follow-up of acute/recurrent renal parenchymal scarring in patients with thrombophilia.