Dimercaptosuccinic Acid Scintigraphy Research Articles

The role of nuclear medicine techniques; Tc-99m-labeled dimercaptosuccinic acid, diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid, and mercaptoacetyltriglycine scintigraphies in pediatric surgery

The purpose of this review is to highlight the pivotal role of nuclear medicine in pediatric surgery, specifically in the diagnosis and management of nephro-urological conditions. This review focuses on the applications and advantages of three key nuclear medicine techniques: Tc-99m dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA), Tc-99m diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), and Tc-99m mercaptoacetyltriglycine (MAG3) scintigraphies. These imaging modalities are crucial for providing detailed anatomical and functional information with minimal invasiveness, essential for evaluating congenital anomalies, urinary tract infections, and obstructive uropathies in children. DMSA Scintigraphy is established as the gold standard for detecting renal cortical scarring and assessing functional renal parenchymal damage. It offers superior sensitivity and specificity compared to other imaging techniques, making it indispensable for identifying renal scars from recurrent urinary tract infections or pyelonephritis. DTPA Scintigraphy is critical for measuring glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and analyzing renogram curves, providing quantitative assessments of renal function. It effectively evaluates renal perfusion and identifies perfusion defects and renal ischemia, essential for managing conditions like renal artery stenosis and unilateral kidney disease. MAG3 Scintigraphy excels in dynamic renal scintigraphy, particularly in patients with impaired renal function. It provides high-quality images and superior diagnostic capability, making it invaluable for assessing ureteropelvic junction obstruction and other obstructive uropathies in pediatric patients. The review concludes by emphasizing the integration of these scintigraphy techniques with SPECT/CT, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and providing comprehensive anatomical and functional insights. Despite concerns regarding radiation exposure, measures such as dose optimization and advanced imaging techniques ensure safety and efficacy in pediatric applications.

Renal Cortical Imaging with Tc-99m DMSA in Children: An Institutional Review.

Background Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the commonly encountered conditions in children. Dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scintigraphy is widely advocated for functional and morphological evaluation of the renal cortex including parenchymal defect. Moreover, only a small percentage of renal defects are detected by ultrasound. We aimed to examine DMSA scintigraphy of children and identify factors associated with cortical defect. Methods Patients aged ≤ 18 years old who underwent DMSA scintigraphy (November 18, 2019-February 2, 2023, 30 children) were included. All children received intravenous injections of 99m Tc-DMSA followed by static planar and single-photon-emission computed tomography imaging at 3 hours. Cortical findings and differential functions of the worst affected kidney were graded accordingly. Grade I has no more than two cortical defects, grade II has more than two cortical defects with normal parenchyma between the defects, while grade III is when generalized damage is noted, and grade IV is when a shrunken kidney is seen with no DMSA uptake. Normal functioning kidney is when the relative function at 45 to 55%, mildly reduced function at 40 to 44%, and substantially impaired function at 10 to 39%, while nonfunctioning is when the differential split renal function < 10%. All data were then statistically analyzed. Results Majority was female (53%). The mean age was 5.85 years. UTI episodes were 73%. Twenty-two children had congenital urinary tract anomalies. All patients with vesicoureteric refluxes (VURs) had positive defects. Scintigraphy showed abnormalities in 17 children affecting unilateral (64%) or both kidneys (36%). There were 17 children (57%) respectively in the abnormal DMSA scan findings category with normal until significant impairment of the functioning kidney category. VURs were significantly associated with abnormal scintigraphy ( p < 0.05). A significant association was found between abnormal DMSA scan findings and differential renal function ( p < 0.05). Conclusion Significant association was noted between VURs and abnormal DMSA scintigraphy, abnormal DMSA scan findings, and impaired differential renal function. Special consideration should be given to these cases.

Effect of access sheath diameter used in percutaneous nephrolithotomy on renal function: a prospective randomized study.

We aimed to determine the effect of the access sheath diameter used in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) on renal function. We also investigated the predictors of impaired renal function. Data were prospectively collected from patients who underwent PNL from December 2020 to December 2021. The patients were randomized into two groups according to access sheath diameter: Group 1 (22 Fr, n = 44) and Group 2 (28 Fr, n = 44). Relative renal function (RRF) was calculated by technetium-99m dimercaptosuccinic acid scintigraphy, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was calculated by diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid scintigraphy. A difference of 5% or more in RRF was considered a significant functional change. Preoperative and postoperative Kidney Injury Molecule-1 (KIM-1) levels were measured. Preoperative demographic data and stone characteristics were similar between the groups. There were also no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of scar development, changes in RRF, GFR, or KIM-1/creatinine (Cr) (p > 0.05). Significant deterioration in RRF was detected in a total of six (6.8%) patients, three in each group. The factors predicting loss of function were analyzed by regrouping the patients without loss of function as Group A (n = 82) and those with loss as Group B (n = 6). Only stone volume was statistically significant in multivariate analysis (p = 0.002). Access sheath diameter had no significant effect on renal function after PNL. However, the stone volume was found to independently correlate to a loss of renal function after PNL.

Complete Remission of Renal Scarring in Follow-Up DMSA Renal Scintigraphy After Urinary Tract Infection.

Our study aimed to investigate the association between the characteristics of patients/images and complete remission of renal scarring shown in the first chronic phase Technetium-99m dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) renal scintigraphy images in children with urinary tract infection (UTI). Fifty children, who underwent the chronic phase of DMSA scintigraphy more than twice following UTI diagnosis and had renal scarring in the first chronic phase DMSA renal scintigraphy, were enrolled. They were classified into 2 groups: with and without complete remission of renal scarring on the second chronic phase DMSA renal scintigraphy. Renal scarring was classified into 3 grades based on severity per the image findings. Seven cases had complete remission from renal scarring. There were significant differences in age and severity. Renal scarring might be completely reversed in young children without severe findings on DMSA renal scintigraphy. Additional chronic phase examination may aid in follow-up completion and patients' peace of mind.

Imaging of Intrathoracic Ectopic Kidney

The intrathoracic kidney is one of the rare causes of the congenital ectopic kidney. The present study discusses a case referred to our clinic with a pre-diagnosis of renal agenesis and a diagnosis of the intrathoracic ectopic kidney. The case is a 9-year-old patient who applied to our clinic complaining of abdominal pain. The left kidney could not be shown in the abdominal ultrasonography for the patient's abdominal pain. In the Tc-99m dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scintigraphy performed on this, the left kidney was detected far above its normal localization. On the thorax plus upper abdominal, the patient's computed tomography showed that the left kidney was intrathoracically located and the diaphragmatic hernia. The left kidney may not be visualized on ultrasonography in the patient. Therefore, the ectopic kidneys should be visualized by Tc-99m DMSA scintigraphy. In selected cases, computed tomography should be used to determine the proper localization of the intrathoracic kidney and whether there is a diaphragmatic hernia.

The effect of percutaneous tract dilation technique on renal parenchymal trauma: An experimental in vivo study on a porcine model.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate renal parenchymal trauma of two-step dilation compared to the conventional Amplatz gradual dilation during percutaneous nephrolithotomy on a porcine model. A nonpapillary percutaneous access tract was established under fluoroscopic guidance in both kidneys of four female pigs. On the right kidney of each pig, gradual dilation was performed using an Amplatz dilator set with a gradual dilation to 30 Fr, whereas on the left, a two-step dilation was utilized using only 16 Fr and 30 Fr dilators. Two of the animals were euthanized immediately after the procedure and the remaining two 1 month later. The pigs that were kept alive underwent a contrast-enhanced computed tomography immediately, 15, and 30 days postoperatively. A dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scintigraphy and single-photon emission computed tomography-computed tomography (CT) were also performed after the last CT and afterward, the pigs were sacrificed. All kidneys were harvested for pathohistological examination. The follow-up radiologic imaging showed similar parenchymal damage caused by the compared dilation techniques and an expected reduction in scar size in the later scans. No scar was identified by DMSA in any kidney. Gross and microscopic examinations conducted both on the kidneys that were harvested immediately after the procedure and the ones from the animals that were left to heal, revealed no significant differences in tissue damage, grade of fibrosis, or inflammation depending on the dilation method. Our study showed no inferior outcomes caused by two-step dilation compared to gradual dilation regarding renal parenchymal damage following a nonpapillary puncture. In fact, postoperative imaging findings suggested a trend toward better healing and less scar tissue when the two-step method was used.

Tc-99m DMSA SPECT for Follow-Up of Non-Operative Treatments in Renal Injuries: A Prospective Single-Center Study.

The assessment of cortical integrity following renal injuries with planar Tc-99m dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scintigraphy depends on measuring relatively decreased cortical uptake (i.e., split renal function [SRF]). We analyzed the additive values of the volumetric and quantitative analyses of the residual cortical integrity using single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) compared to the planar scintigraphy. This prospective study included 47 patients (male:female, 32:15; age, 47 ± 22 years) who had non-operatively managed renal injuries and underwent DMSA planar and SPECT imaging 3-6 months after the index injury. In addition to planar SRF, SPECT SRF, cortical volume, and absolute cortical uptake were measured for the injured kidney and both kidneys together. The correlations of planar SRF with SPECT SRF and those of SRF with volumetric/quantitative parameters obtained with SPECT were analyzed. The association of SPECT parameters with renal function, grades of renal injuries, and the risk of renal failure was also analyzed. SPECT SRF was significantly lower than planar SRF, with particularly higher biases in severe renal injuries. Planar and SPECT SRF (dichotomized with a cutoff of 45%) showed 19%-36% of discrepancies with volumetric and quantitative DMSA indices (when dichotomized as either high or low). Absolute cortical uptake of the injured kidney best correlated with glomerular filtration rate (GFR) at follow-up (ρ = 0.687, P < 0.001) with significant stepwise decreases by GFR strata (90 and 60 mL/min/1.73 m²). Total renal cortical uptake was significantly lower in patients with moderate-to-high risk of renal failure than those with low risk. However, SRF did not reflect GFR decrease below 60 mL/min/1.73 m² or the risk of renal failure, regardless of planar or SPECT (count- or volume-based SRF) imaging. Quantitative measurements of renal cortical integrity assessed with DMSA SPECT can provide more clinically relevant and comprehensive information than planar imaging or SRF alone.

The evaluation of the relationship of clinical and laboratory evidence with renal damage in the pediatric patients that had urinary tract infections

Purpose: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the important infectious diseases of childhood age. It causes serious late-term complications by leading to development of renal scarring in some pediatric patients. In the present study, it was aimed to determine the risk factors in development of renal damage in the pediatric patients that admitted with clinical of acute pyelonephritis. Materials and methods: In our study, the medical files of the patients were admitted to the pediatric nephrology polyclinic of Pamukkale University Medical Faculty and followed-up with the diagnosis of urinary tract infection were retrospectively evaluated. The study included 197 patients diagnosed with acute pyelonephritis (confirmed by urine culture and clinical evidence) and undergoing dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scintigraphic imaging. The clinical evidence (fever, recurrent UTI, voiding dysfunction etc.), laboratory evidence (C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), white blood cell (WBC) count, polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PNL) count, mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet count, serum urea and creatinine levels) and imaging evidence (urinary tract system ultrasonography (USG), voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) and DMSA scintigraphy) of the patients detected at admission and obtained by anamnesis were evaluated. Results: The number of the female patients (n=153) was found significantly higher than number of the male patients (n=44) (p<0.001). It was detected that pretreatment fever of 38ºC and over, persisting clinical evidence for 2 days or longer, the presence of recurrent UTI and high levels of WBC, PNL, ESR and CRP significantly increased renal damage in the patients (p<0.001). It was determined that USG and VCUG have low sensitivity regarding prediction of renal damage. Conclusion: Determination of renal damage rate by clinical and laboratory data detected at patient admission may contribute to a reduction in morbidity and mortality rates by applying an appropriate follow-up and treatment modality.

The impact of our acquired experience on endoscopic injection treatment outcomes of vesicoureteral reflux during the first ten years of practice

Introduction: Endoscopic injection treatment (EIT) for vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) correction is widely accepted as an optimal method for more than thirty years. However, it is still in its infancy in many pediatric surgical centers. It presents variable cure rates, with many factors affecting its successfulness. Objectives: We aimed to identify how accumulated endoscopic experience affected the VUR resolution success rates, in association with a variety of characteristics, since the beginning of practicing the technique. We attempt to improve patient selection. Patients and Methods: The outcomes of 53 children, corresponding to 78 refluxing ureteral units (RUUs), treated with endoscopic injection during the first years of practice (2010-2016), and 26 children with 42 RUUs during the latest years (2017-2020), were compared. Characteristics such as age, gender, VUR grades, preoperative voiding cystogram and dimercaptosuccinic acid scintigraphy, side, laterality were analyzed in relation with outcome of the groups of the study population. Outcomes presenting statistically significant differences were considered related to experience. Results: Refluxing ureters of the second group presented significant improved endoscopic treatment success rates and also significant reduced need for open surgery. The second group of experienced performance presented significant improved success rates in younger children, in girls, in children with bilateral VUR or duplex ureteral system, and when reflux presented at the filling phase of voiding cystourethrogram. Furthermore, the second group of experienced performance presented significant improved success rates in ureteral units of a duplex system or with grade III and high grades IV-V VUR. Conclusion: Our initial experience with EIT has been promising. Boys, and children with bilateral VUR or duplex ureteral system should be treated by more experienced endoscopic surgeons. Furthermore, high grade VUR is a predisposing factor for endoscopic treatment failure, performing by less experienced surgeons. Pediatric surgeons must upgrade their learning curve, initiating their experience, and developing their surgical skills with more simple cases before expanding their practice to more complicated.

Retrospective evaluation of the pediatric multicystic dysplastic kidney patients: experience of two centers from southeastern Turkey

Background/aimThe objective of this study is to determine the clinical features of unilateral multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK) patients.Materials and methods The demographic, clinical, laboratory, and radiologic features of MCDK patients at Diyarbakır Children’s Hospital and Diyarbakır Gazi Yaşargil Training and Research Hospital between January 2008-June 2019 were retrospectively evaluated. Results A total of 111 [59 (53.2%) male and 52(46.8%) female] patients with MCDK were followed for a mean period of 41.89 ± 32.03 months. MCDK was located on the left and right sides in 46 (41.4%) and 65 (58.6%) of the children, respectively (p > 0.05). A total of 87 (78.4%) patients had antenatal diagnosis. The mean age at diagnosis was 13.7 ± 34.2 months. Of the 49 voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG)-performed patients, vesicoureteral reflux was detected in 11 patients (22.4%). Other associated urological anomalies in the patients were detected in 12 (10.8%) patients. On Tc-99m dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scintigraphy which was performed in all patients showed scarring in four children. Eight patients had history of UTI (7.2%). Renal failure, hypertension, and proteinuria were diagnosed in three children (2.7%). Sixty-nine (62%) patients developed compensatory hypertrophy. Conclusion All cases should be followed up closely and VCUG should be reserved for patients with recurrent UTI and other urological problems indicated by ultrasonography and abnormal DMSA scan results.

Clinical profile of children with primary vesicoureteric reflux and its association with renal parenchymal scarring

Context: Vesicoureteric reflux (VUR) has been implicated in renal injury before birth as well as in postnatal occurrence of urinary tract infection (UTI) and further renal damage. About 30–49% of children with primary VUR may develop renal scarring called reflux nephropathy. About 5–10% of children with reflux nephropathy may progress to chronic kidney disease in late childhood. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to study the clinical profile of children with primary VUR and to assess the relationship with grades of primary VUR and renal parenchymal scarring. Materials and Methods: Fifty children of age 1 month–5 years, diagnosed to have Primary VUR, were included in this prospective observational study. Detailed history was taken; examination was carried out as per the study protocol. Investigations included urine analysis, renal function tests, urine culture, renal ultrasonography, micturating cystourethrogram, and 99mTc dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scintigraphy. For those who had UTI, DMSA was carried out after a minimum period of 6 months after UTI episode. Results: Among the 50 children, 21 (42%) were male and 29 (58%) were female with male-to-female ratio of 0.72:1. Mean age at diagnosis was 9 months, ranging from 1 to 40 months. The number of children presented with UTI was 43 (86%), and 7 children (14%) were asymptomatic and were evaluated in view of abnormality in prenatal ultrasound scan. Unilateral VUR was found in 21 patients (42%), and 29 patients (58%) had bilateral VUR. Of all 79 refluxing units (21 unilateral plus 58 bilateral), 4% had VUR of Grade I severity, 30% of Grade II, 34% of Grade III, 28% of Grade IV, and 4% of Grade V severity. Renal parenchymal scarring on DMSA scan was detected in 42 (54%) of 79 refluxing units including 33% of Grade II, 55% of Grade III, 71% of Grade IV, and 100% of Grade V refluxing units. Prevalence of scarring in complicated, recurrent, and simple UTI was 100%, 93%, and 22%, respectively. Conclusion: Risk of renal scarring increased progressively with increasing severity of primary VUR. Complicated and recurrent UTI were found to be statistically significant risk factors for renal scarring. Renal scarring was also seen in absence of UTI in a small percentage of children with primary VUR.

Can Spot Urinary Uric Acid/Creatinine Ratio Be Used as a Surrogate for Renal Scarring in Vesicoureteric Reflux?

Objective: Increased urinary excretion of uric acid has been shown to be associated with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). The aim of this study is evaluate if urinary uric acid/creatinine ratio can be used as a surrogate for renal scarring in VUR. Method: Retrospective chart analysis was made to identify patients who were diagnosed with VUR. Those with secondary VUR, <3 years of age, and inadequate evaluation were excluded. Age, gender, VUR status, dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scintigraphy findings, presence of hypertension and microalbuminuria, and body mass index values were noted. Uric acid, calcium and creatinine levels for both urine and serum were measured. Urinary uric acid/creatinine and calcium/creatinine ratios were assessed for age. Backward logistic regression analysis was used for determining any predictors. Results: A total of 76 patients were eligible for the study. Mean age was 8.2±3.7 years. There were 49 females and 27 males. Fifty-one patients had renal scars while 25 had no scars. Microalbuminuria was present in 22 patients. Hypertension was detected in 5 patients. Hyperuricosuria was found in 23 patients (30.7%) while hypercalciuria was found only in 1 patient (1.3%). There was no correlation between urinary uric acid/creatinine and renal scarring, microalbuminuria and hypertension. Also, no correlation was found between urinary calcium/creatinine levels and aforementioned parameters (p values >0.05, for all). Conclusions: Our results indicate that urinary uric acid/creatinine ratio would not be used as surrogate for renal scarring in VUR.

Impact of bilateral ureteral reimplantation at the time of complete primary repair of bladder exstrophy on reflux rates, renogram abnormalities and bladder capacity

Bilateral ureteral reimplantation at the time of the complete primary repair of bladder exstrophy (BUR-CPRE) has been proposed and has demonstrated favorable outcomes in the past. However, the potential benefits, including prevention of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and renal scarring must be tempered with any risks of reimplantation, persistent VUR, and the potential for overtreatment. We aimed to determine the impact of BUR-CPRE on reflux rates, renogram findings and bladder capacity. An IRB approved registry of children treated for bladder exstrophy epispadias complex (BEEC) during a long-term international collaboration hosted in a region with high prevalence of BEEC was queried. Children undergoing primary CPRE for bladder exstrophy (BE) were identified. Surgical procedure and outcome measures nuclear medicine dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scintigraphy scans, voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG), and urodynamic study (UDS) were assessed for presence and degree of VUR, renogram abnormalities, and bladder capacity. A total cohort of 147 patients with BEEC was queried; 52 children (37 males, 71%) underwent primary CPRE for BE between 2009 and 2019at median age of 1.1 years (IQR 0.6-1.9 years) with median follow up 4.4 years (IQR 2.4-6.4 years). BUR-CPRE was performed in 22/52 (42%). After BUR-CPRE, children were less likely to have VUR (any VUR present in 9 of 20 with imaging (45%) compared to 23 of 26 with imaging (82%) in the CPRE alone group (p=0.007)). VUR in the BUR-CPRE group tended to be unilateral and lower grade in comparison to the CPRE alone group. DMSA abnormalities were less common in the BUR-CPRE group (4/19 (21%) vs.12/27 (44%)), although the difference did not reach statistical significance (p=0.1). At 4 years follow-up, the BUR-CPRE group had a larger bladder capacity (p=0.016). After BUR-CPRE, children had a lower rate of VUR, and when present, VUR was more often unilateral and lower grade compared to the CPRE alone group. Fewer numbers of children in the BUR-CPRE group depicted DMSA abnormalities. No children developed obstruction after BUR-CPRE and none have undergone repeat reimplantation. We documented a larger bladder capacity at the time of maximum follow-up available (4 years)-but further data are needed to confirm this observation. BUR-CPRE decreases the incidence and severity of VUR after CPRE, but the clinical significance of this remains unclear. We are encouraged by these initial results, but since BUR-CPRE does not uniformly eliminate VUR, we continue to proceed carefully in the well selected patient.

Semiquantitative analysis of power doppler ultrasonography versus Tc-99m DMSA scintigraphy in diagnostic and severity assessment of acute childhood pyelonephritis.

BackgroundThis study aimed to compare the diagnostic and predictive value of power Doppler ultrasonography (PDU) with Tc-99m dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) renal scintigraphy in pediatric acute pyelonephritis (APN) using a semiquantitative analysis system.MethodsA total of 92 children and infants (184 kidneys) were hospitalized with possible APN. All children were examined by PDU and DMSA scintigraphy within 72 hours of admission. An empiric 9-point semiquantitative analysis system was used to sort kidneys into four grades (grade 0–III). Patients with several episodes of APN and congenital structural anomalies were excluded.ResultsOf 184 kidneys, we found 68 abnormal (grade I–III) and 116 normal (Grade 0) with DMSA scintigraphy, and 84 abnormal and 100 normal with PDU. In all, 23 kidneys were shown to be diseased by PDU but normal on DMSA scintigraphy while 7 kidneys showed the opposite trend. The sensitivity and specificity of PDU for diagnosing APN was 89.7% and 80.2%, respectively (P<0.05). In children older than 6 months, the sensitivity was higher (92%, P<0.05) than that in children younger than 6 months (87%, P<0.05). A moderate agreement (41%, P<0.05) on grade was found between the two methods.ConclusionsWith the help of a semiquantitative analysis system, PDU can obviate the use of DMSA scintigraphy in children older than 6 months for APN diagnosis.

Kidney structure and function in dilating vesicoureteral reflux patients with anorectal malformation

BackgroundWe assessed the impact of anorectal malformation (ARM) on the kidneys of children with dilating vesicoureteral reflux (D-VUR) ≥grade III using a simple dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scintigraphy scan based renal...

Clinical characteristics and outcome of childhood vesicoureteral reflux.

The aim of the study was to assess the clinical features and outcome parameters of children with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) based on gender and VUR grade. Patients with VUR who were seen during routine follow-up visits at Ankara University Children's Hospital between January 2014-January 2015 were included in this retrospective study. Patient demographics, clinical course, laboratory investigations, imaging were noted. Two hundred and twenty patients were recruited. Mean age at the time of diagnosis was 3,17 ± 3,08 years. Boys were diagnosed at younger ages as compared to girls (2.00 ± 2,59 vs. 3,81 ± 3.15, p < 0.001). Urinary tract infection (UTI) was the most common presentation. The second presentation form was antenatal hydronephrosis (AHN) which was more common in males (25.6 %, p < 0.001). Twenty-two percent of the patients had grade 1-2, 51 % grade 3 and 27 % grade 4-5 reflux. Patients with grade 4-5 reflux had more abnormal ultrasound (US) and Tech 99m dimercaptosuccinic acid scintigraphy (DMSA) findings and surgery was performed more frequently in this group (p < 0.001). In males, grade 4-5 reflux (43.6 % vs. 18.3 %), abnormal US (77 % vs. 54 %) and DMSA (77 % vs. 59 %) findings were more frequent (p < 0.05). In girls higher rates of UTIs, lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) and spontaneous reflux resolution were seen (p < 0.05). Despite younger age at diagnosis, spontaneous resolution was found lower in boys and they had more frequent AHN, more severe reflux, and radiological abnormalities.

The Efficacy of Tc-99m DMSA Scintigraphy in Children with Vesicoureteral Reflux Accompanying Frequent Urinary Tract Infection

Objective: Urinary tract infection is one of the most common diseases in childhood. Experimental studies have shown that renal damage due to urinary tract infection can be prevented by early diagnosis and treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between vesicoureteral reflux grade and Technetium-99m- dimercaptosuccinic acid scintigraphy in patients with frequent urinary tract infectionMethods Between January and October 2017, 34 cases were diagnosed as vescoureteral reflux with voiding cystoureterography were retrospectively evaluated with Technetium-99m- dimercaptosuccinic acid scintigraphy in terms of renal scar and function. Scars and function ratios were evaluated in Technetium-99m- dimercaptosuccinic acid scintigraphy according to voiding cystourethrography grades and correlation between the vesicoureteral reflux grade and Technetium-99m- dimercaptosuccinic acid scintigraphy findings were investigated.Results: Of 34 patients, 26 (76.5%) were female and 8 (23.5%) were male. The mean age of the patients was 6.08 ± 4.03 (min: 1 month, max: 17 years). Twenty-one patients had unilateral vesicoureteral reflux and 13 patients had bilateral vesicoureteral reflux. Vesicoureteral reflux were detected in 47 of the total 68 kidneys.Conclusion: In children with vesicoureteral reflux, Technetium-99m- dimercaptosuccinic acid scintigraphy provides useful information to show the kidney damage and as the vesicoureteral reflux grade increases, the rate of kidney damage increases. Even in the case of grade 1 and grade 2 vesicoureteral reflux, which are not expected to cause renal parenchymal damage. Technetium-99m- dimercaptosuccinic acid scintigraphy is the most successful imaging method for detecting parenchymal injury.

Is voiding cystourethrography necessary for evaluating unilateral ectopic pelvic kidney?

The aim of this study is to evaluate if voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) is necessary for the evaluation of unilateral ectopic pelvic kidney (UEPK) in order to identify vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). Files of the patients who had been followed-up for ectopic pelvic kidney in two pediatric nephrology clinics between August 2011 and December 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Other anomalies, such as crossed, fused, and bilateral pelvic ectopia were excluded. Preliminary diagnoses were made via urinary ultrasonography while dimercaptosuccinic acid scintigraphy was carried out to confirm the diagnoses. Differential renal function and presence of renal scars was checked. VCUG results were obtained and those patients that showed VUR were noted. A total of 72 patients were included in the study (41 males and 31 females). The median patient age was 4.1 years (range: 2 months-14.5 years). Hydronephrosis was present in only 4 patients (5.6%), where 1 one of those was on the contralateral side. UEPKs contributed to the mean 37.9±7.8% of total renal function and 15% of these patients had renal scars (expressed as a global reduction in function, not as patchy scars). VCUG was obtained in 42 patients and VUR was present in only 1 patient (2.4%). The median follow-up period was 16.5 months (range: 3-92 months). The results of our study indicated that hydronephrosis and VUR are not common in UEPKs. Therefore, routine VCUG should be avoided in the evaluation of UEPK in order to protect patients from unnecessary radiation exposure and an increased risk of urinary tract infections.

Incidence of primary vesicoureteral reflux in patients with febrile convulsions.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the incidence of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in patients with febrile convulsion (FC). For this, patients that were diagnosed with FC in 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Those with epilepsy, motor/mental retardation, or spina bifida were excluded. Mid-stream urine samples were collected in children who were toilet trained while sterile bags were used in the smaller. Urinary tract infection (UTI) was defined as ˃ 5 leucocytes/HPF in urinalysis and a subsequent positive urine culture (≥ 10.000 CFU/ml). Children with UTI were further investigated via voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) and dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scintigraphy for VUR. Urinalysis was present in 79 among a total of 181 patients (43.6%). Forty-five of the patients were male (57%). Mean age was 2.6 ± 1.4 years. UTI was diagnosed in 6 (7.6%) patients (5 females, 1 male). Three of the girls had recurrent febrile UTI and subsequently, VUR was diagnosed in two of them. VUR is found in 2.5% of the FC cases with urine sampling. Urinalysis should not be ignored in patients with FC as it may lead to diagnosis of VUR.

Two-step treatment model for the adult patients with an obstructed kidney functioning below 10% of its capacity: a pilot study.

There is no written consensus as to when and in what conditions simple nephrectomy should be performed for hypo-functioning obstructed kidneys. We aimed to assess renal function and the requirement of nephrectomy in patients that underwent percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) despite being indicated for nephrectomy due to a split renal function of less than 10% caused by ureteral obstruction. This prospective study includes 18 patients with unilateral upper urinary tract obstruction and renal parenchymal loss on Technetium-99m dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scintigraphy. Each patient underwent DMSA scan (DMSA-1) prior to PCN. After a 2-week follow-up period, a second DMSA scan was performed to assess renal function of each kidney (DMSA-2). Nephrectomy was performed in the kidneys functioning below 10% of their capacity, whereas kidneys functioning above 10% of their capacity were treated as appropriate to their etiologies. Renal functions and DMSA results were compared before and after nephrostomy with Paired-samples t-test and one-way ANOVA. Following nephrostomy, 8 (44.4%) patients had a kidney functioning above 10% of its capacity on DMSA scan and received etiology-based treatment. Glomerular filtration rates of these patients also improved significantly. A total of 9 patients who did not improve renal functions underwent nephrectomy. The results indicated that in obstructed kidneys functioning below 10% of their capacity, renal function can be recovered by using a diversion technique (such as PCN) that could alleviate the pressure within the renal pelvis and kidney parenchyma, instead of directly performing simple nephrectomy.