Dimercaptosuccinic Acid Renal Scan Research Articles

Investigation of the Effects of N-acetylcysteine and Selenium on Vesicoureteral Reflux Nephropathy: An Experimental Study

IntroductionThis study aimed to investigate the effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and selenium (Se) on vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) nephropathy. MethodsA total of 44 rabbits in 7 groups, namely group 1 (Control), group 2 (VUR + sterile urine), group 3 (VUR + sterile urine + NAC), group 4 (VUR + sterile urine + Se), group 5 (VUR + infected urine), group 6 (VUR + infected urine + NAC) and group 7 (VUR + infected urine + Se), were used. 99mTc Dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scan (DMSA), cystogram and urine culture were performed both at the beginning and end of the study. Left VUR was created surgically, and E. coli was inoculated in infected urine groups. NAC and Se were administered daily for 21 days. Malondialdehyde (MDA) measurement, inflammatory response scores (IRSs), and cicatrization response scores (CRSs) in renal tissues were evaluated. ResultsVUR did not reduce left renal uptake values in neither group 2 nor group 5. MDA levels of the left kidney were significantly higher in group 5 compared to group 1 (p = 0.001). There was no significant difference in MDA levels between group 5 and group 6, and between group 5 and group 7. Left kidney IRSs were found to be higher in all other groups except group 2 compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Left kidney CRSs were significantly higher in group 5 compared to group 2 (p = 0.026), group 6 (p < 0.001) and group 7 (p = 0.006). ConclusionA decrease in renal functions was not observed in VUR, even if there was infection. When CRSs were evaluated, NAC and Se had protective effects in terms of scar formation in VUR nephropathy. Type of StudyExperimental animal study. Levels of EvidenceN/A.

Multicystic renal dysplasia, a histomorphological spectrum: Seven years experience from a tertiary care hospital.

Multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK) is defined as the presence of multiple noncommunicating cysts of various sizes, detected sonographically, without evidence of functioning renal parenchyma on dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scan. It has an incidence of 1:4000 live births. They are more commonly diagnosed in boys, usually on the left side, but may also be bilateral. There is the presence of primitive ducts surrounded by fibromuscular connective tissue. These are because of the disturbed connection of the ureteric bud with renal blastema and abnormal division at the stage of metanephros, resulting in an abnormal metanephros differentiation. Thirty cases of MCDK were included to study their histomorphology along with their clinical features. Cases were retrieved from the last seven years (2015-2021) from the Department of Pathology, Maulana Azad Medical College. Age ranged from 10 days to 18 years. The cases were between 1 years and 5 years of age. Six out of 30 cases (20%) were infants with three of them being neonates. Twenty-one cases were males. All the cases had unilateral kidney involvement with the left kidney being involved in 20 out of 30 cases. Twenty-eight cases underwent nephrectomy in view of small contracted nonfunctional kidneys with one of them being horseshoe shaped. Five cases had associated hydronephrosis (two ipsilateral and three bilateral). One case had Hirshprung's disease, four had anorectal malformation, two had posterior urethral valves with vesicourethral reflux, one had duplex moiety, and one had undescended testes. On histopathological examination, all of them showed the presence of immature disorganized tubules surrounded by a collarette of immature mesenchymal stroma. One of the cases showed osteoid formation and four had areas of immature cartilage. Normal kidney parenchyma was seen at the periphery in four cases. This series has been presented to highlight the various histomorphological features of MCDK. MCDK can be managed conservatively in most of cases due to autoinvolution and, hence, needs to be differentiated from other close differentials like polycystic kidney disease, cystic nephroma, and cystic partially differentiated nephroblastoma in order to avoid unnecessary surgical intervention.

Posterior urethral valve in thai boys

BackgroundPosterior urethral valve (PUV) is the most common congenital bladder outlet obstruction in boys, causing renal damage beginning in utero. There are scarce data from Thailand regarding the long-term outcomes of PUV in boys, thus the aim of this study was to examine the presentation, clinical course, complications, outcomes and renal survival in PUV boys.MethodsWe reviewed the medical records of PUV boys treated at the Pediatric Nephrology Clinic, Prince of Songkla University, Thailand, over a 30-year-period.ResultsSeventy-seven PUV boys were identified, with a median age at diagnosis of 4.8 months. The most common presentations were urinary tract infection (UTI), poor urine stream and urinary dribbling in 26 (33.8%), 19 (24.7%) and 11 (14.3%) boys, respectively. Renal ultrasound results in 70 boys showed 8 (11.4%) unilateral and 56 (80%) bilateral hydronephroses. Of 72 voiding cystourethrograms, 18 (25.0%) showed unilateral and 22 (30.6%) bilateral vesicoureteral refluxes. 99mTc dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scans in 30 boys showed 12 (40%) unilateral and 8 (26.7%) bilateral renal damage. Fifty-nine (76.6%) boys had 149 UTIs; 42 (54.4%) had recurrent UTI. Forty-eight boys had valve ablation at the median age of 30.3 months. 22 boys (28.6%) developed chronic kidney disease (CKD) at a median age of 15.0 years.ConclusionOf 77 PUV Thai boys, UTI was the most common presentation. Recurrence of UTI and CKD was the most common consequence. Lifelong follow-up for renal and bladder functions is essential for all PUV patients.

Clinical and etiological profile of Complicated Urinary Tract Infection in Children: A health facility-based cross-sectional study

Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is known to be the most frequent bacterial infection in the paediatric population. Objective: To determine the clinical profile and etiology of complicated urinary tract infection (UTI) in children. Methods: This cross-sectional study was done at the Department of Nephrology and Neonatology, National Institute of Child Health, Karachi from 1st January 2022 to 30th June 2022. In 241 children of either gender, (male and female) aged up to 15 years having structural or functional anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract or recurrent infection due to underlying kidney or urinary tract abnormalities were enrolled. Demographic and clinical characteristics along with laboratory parameters and etiological agents of complicated UTI were noted. Ultrasonography examination and dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) renal scan (where indicated) were performed. Results: Of 241 children, 179 (74.3%) were male. The mean age was 3.08±3.63 years. Capillary refill time was prolonged in 78 (32.4%) children. Fever/chills, nausea/vomiting, urinary urgency, and dehydration were the most frequently noted clinical presentations reported in 232 (96.2%), 109 (45.2%), 91 (37.8%), and 89 (36.9%) children respectively. Ultrasonography findings were evident of bilateral moderative hydronephrosis in 60 (24.9%) children. E. coli followed by Pseudomonas and Klebsiella species were the most commonly found etiological agents noted in 98 (40.7%), 50 (20.7%), and 40 (16.6%) children respectively. Conclusion: The majority of the children with complicated UTIs were male. Fever/chills, nausea/vomiting, urinary urgency, and dehydration were the most frequently noted clinical presentations. The most commonly observed ultrasonography findings were bilateral moderative hydronephrosis

Clinical Profiles and Outcomes of Renal Scarring in Children Underwent Dimercaptosuccinic Acid (DMSA) Renal Scan in A Tertiary Hospital

Introduction: Renal scarring, which can be detected by DMSA renal scan, has been demonstrated to cause hypertension, proteinuria and chronic kidney disease (CKD). We reviewed the proportion of renal scarring, risk factors and outcomes among children who were referred for DMSA scan in a tertiary teaching hospital. Methods: All records of children less than 18 years old who underwent DMSA scan over a ten-year period, were reviewed. Among children whose renal cortical defects were confirmed by DMSA scan, data of their risk factors and its outcome were collected manually. Results: Out of 92 children referred for DMSA scan, half were detected to have renal scarring. Vesico-ureteric reflux (VUR) was significantly associated with the development of renal scarring. CKD (27.1%) and hypertension (12.5%) were the commonest complications. The median duration between diagnosis of the complications and detection of renal scarring was 1 year. Conclusion: A high proportion of children undergoing DMSA scans had renal scarring and early development of serious complications was common.

Correlation of Renal Scarring to Urinary Tract Infections and Vesicoureteral Reflux in Children.

Objective To study the association of the grade of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and urinary tract infections (UTI) with renal scarring at the first clinical presentation of patients who underwent antireflux surgery. Materials and methods. Between 2015 and 2020, 150 patients (194 units) who underwent antireflux surgery had dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) renal scans preoperatively. Patients were classified into the nonscar and scar groups according to DMSA scan results. Moreover, cases were classified into afebrile UTI, febrile UTI, and antenatal hydronephrosis (ANH) according to the mode of presentation. We correlated the mode of presentation and the grade of VUR to the presence/absence of renal scars in both groups. Results The mean follow-up was 45 months preoperatively. The mode of presentation was afebrile, febrile UTIs, and antenatal hydronephrosis in (50, 14), (20, 46), and (10, 10) patients in the nonscar and scar groups, respectively. Of the 20 patients who presented ANH, 10 (50%) had scars. Clinical presentation was correlated to the presence of renal scarring and its degree. The scar group had significantly higher grades of VUR than the nonscar group (grades I–II (50 units versus 10 units), grade III (28 units versus 40 units), and grade IV–V (22 units versus 44 units) for the nonscar versus scar groups, respectively (pvalue <0.001). Conclusion Renal scarring is associated with higher grades of reflux and urinary tract infections. We advocate further research investigating infants who had UTIs with or without fever for early detection of reflux.

Prediction of Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection in Paediatric Patients by Deep Learning Analysis of 99mTc-DMSA Renal Scan.

Purpose: Tc-99m dimercaptosuccinic acid (99mTc-DMSA) renal scan is an important tool for the assessment of childhood urinary tract infection (UTI), vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), and renal scarring. We evaluated whether a deep learning (DL) analysis of 99mTc-DMSA renal scans could predict the recurrence of UTI better than conventional clinical factors. Methods: the subjects were 180 paediatric patients diagnosed with UTI, who underwent immediate post-therapeutic 99mTc-DMSA renal scans. The primary outcome was the recurrence of UTI during the follow-up period. For the DL analysis, a convolutional neural network (CNN) model was used. Age, sex, the presence of VUR, the presence of cortical defects on the 99mTc-DMSA renal scan, split renal function (SRF), and DL prediction results were used as independent factors for predicting recurrent UTI. The diagnostic accuracy for predicting recurrent UTI was statistically compared between independent factors. Results: The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for predicting recurrent UTI were 44.4%, 88.9%, and 82.2% by the presence of VUR; 44.4%, 76.5%, and 71.7% by the presence of cortical defect; 74.1%, 80.4%, and 79.4% by SRF (optimal cut-off = 45.93%); and 70.4%, 94.8%, and 91.1% by the DL prediction results. There were no significant differences in sensitivity between all independent factors (p > 0.05, for all). The specificity and accuracy of the DL prediction results were significantly higher than those of the other factors. Conclusion: DL analysis of 99mTc-DMSA renal scans may be useful for predicting recurrent UTI in paediatric patients. It is an efficient supportive tool to predict poor prognosis without visually demonstrable cortical defects in 99mTc-DMSA renal scans.

Protective Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplementation Against Renal Parenchymal Scarring in Children with Acute Pyelonephritis: Results of a Pilot Clinical Trial.

This trial aimed to determine if supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids as an adjunct therapy to antibiotic treatment can have protective effects against renal scar formation after acute pyelonephritis (APN) in pediatric patients. Current evidence points out that besides antibiotic treatment, early administration of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds may be effective in reducing the occurrence of renal damage following APN in children. The main endpoint of the trial was the comparison of the development of renal scarring formation after APN in an omega-3 fatty acids-treated group and in a control-treated group. This prospective randomized, controlled trial study was conducted from March 2016 to May 2018 on 60 children with a diagnosis APN in a tertiary hospital in Iran. After the diagnosis of APN based on the clinical signs and symptoms, urine analysis, urine culture, and dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scan (DMSA scan), the patients were randomly allocated into either the control group (n=30 patients: received standard antibiotic treatment only) or the intervention group (n=30 patients: received standard antibiotic-treatment in combination with oral omega-3 fatty acids based on the children's weight for three consecutive days). A second DMSA scan was performed for the patients at a minimum of six months after treatment. The development of renal scars was evaluated by comparing the baseline DMSA scan lesions with the follow-up DMSA scan lesions. Fifty patients, including 26 and 24 individuals in the control and intervention groups, respectively, completed the entire course of the study. Renal parenchymal involvement based on the baseline DMSA scan was similar in the two groups (p-value =0.85, 0.90, and 0.53 regarding the right, left, and both kidney units together, respectively). Although comparison of the follow-up DMSA scan lesions to the baseline DMSA scan lesions considering the right and left kidneys as separate units between two groups did not reach the significant level, when considering both left and right kidney units together, results showed a statistically significant difference between groups in favor of the intervention group (p-value =0.04). Although preliminary, the results of this study showed that administration of omega-3 fatty acids, a natural supplement with well-known anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as an adjunct therapy to standard antibiotic treatment might significantly reduce the incidence of the occurrence renal scarring following APN in children. Confirmation of these results requires further studies.

Evaluation of the Relationship of the Time of Vesicoureteral Reflux Between Renal Scar Development and Endoscopic Treatment Success in Early Childhood

INTRODUCTION: Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is an important cause of urinary tract infection and chronic renal disease. Voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) is the gold standard diagnostic test in the diagnosis of VUR. In recent years, new parameters related to VCUG have been more objectively studied to evaluate the clinical prognosis. It is aimed to evaluate the effect of reflux time in primary VUR in terms of predicting endoscopic treatment success and treatment timing in VUR management. METHOD: In our study, the records and imaging findings of children with primary VUR who underwent VCUG examination between 2012 and 2019, who were treated with endoscopic injections, were retrospectively reviewed. Forty one children (67 renal units) were included in our study. Patients with preoperative VCUG, urinary ultrasonography, dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) renal scan, and post-operative control VCUG were included in this study. RESULTS: Patients with preoperative VUR grade 1-2 were divided into two groups as “low grade” and patients with stage 3-4-5 as “high grade”. In the general patient population, endoscopic success rates in terms of renal unit deficit were found to be 46.3% (31/67). When the subgroup was analyzed, the endoscopic treatment success rate was 72.2% (13/18) in the low-grade group, versus 36.7% (18/49) in the high-grade group (p = 0.010). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis performed to identify independent predictors of scarring, reflux degree and reflux time were found to be independent predictors of scarring. CONCLUSION: In our study, we found that in VCUG evaluated preoperatively, VUR time as well as VUR grade were effective on endoscopic success rate and scar development. Based on these results, it could be thought that VUR time may be effective in selecting the best candidates for surgery and in the management and timing of treatment of VUR patients.

Abnormal DMSA renal scan findings and associated factors in older children with vesicoureteral reflux.

There are scanty data on the rate of abnormal Tc-99m dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) renal scintigraphy and associated factors in children older than 5years with diagnosis of VUR. We do not have knowledge about which older children should undergo DMSA after VUR diagnosis. This study aims to assess the rate of abnormal DMSA findings and associated factors in children older than 5years of age diagnosed with VUR. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 258 children with VUR diagnosed at or older than 5year age. 179 children [42 (23.5%) males and 137 (76.5%) females] with complete data were included. 268 reflux units were compared according to gender, bilaterality, grade, reflux phase at voiding cystourethrography, febrile urinary tract infection (fUTI), lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD), and DMSA findings with uni- and multivariate analysis. The median age was 110 (60-216) months. VUR grades were I, II, and III in 197 (73.6%) units and IV-V in 71 (26.4%). 138 (51.5%) renal units had abnormal DMSA. VUR grade (p < 0.01), unilaterality (p = 0.048), and fUTI (p = 0.031) in univariate but only grade and unilaterality in multivariate analysis are significantly associated with abnormal DMSA. Although reflux at filling phase was predominant in high-grade VUR group, reflux at voiding phase (p = 0.006) in low-medium-grade (1-3) VUR was associated with abnormal DMSA. Children older than 5years of age diagnosed with VUR should be regarded as a high-risk group for abnormal DMSA regardless of gender, unilaterality, grade, reflux phase, fUTI, and LUTD.

Vesicoureteral Reflux and Renal Scarring in Children with Acute Pyelonephritis: the Role of Late 6-month Dimercaptosuccinic Acid Renal Scan

Purpose The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical utility of late 6-month dimercapto-succinic acid (DMSA) renal scan in predicting vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and long-lasting renal scars in children with first acute pyelonephritis (APN). Methods A retrospective case study of children admitted with APN from January 2010 to July 2017 was performed. The study included patients with voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) and acute and late 6-month DMSA scan. We analyzed the clinical, laboratory and imaging findings of patients with and without late cortical defects at 6 months and those with or without VUR. Results Among 145 children with APN, 50 (34.5%) had cortical defects on the late DMSA renal scan and 60 (41.4%) showed VUR. Thirteen of 38 (34.2%) children undergoing 18-month DMSA renal scan showed a long-lasting renal scars. Compared with children without late cortical defects, patients with late 6-month cortical defects had a higher incidence of VUR and long-lasting renal scars, and relapse of UTI (all P<0.05). In a multivariable analysis, both high-grade VUR and relapse of UTI were independently correlated with the presence of late 6-month cortical defects (P<0.05). Late cortical defects and relapse of UTI were also associated with the presence of VUR (P<0.05). Only the late 6-mo cortical defects was an independent predictor of long-lasting renal scars in children with APN (P<0.05). Conclusion An abnormal late 6-month DMSA renal scan may be useful in identifying VUR and long-lasting renal scars in children diagnosed with APN. Key words: Renal scarring; Acute pyelonephritis; Vesicoureteral reflux; Dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scan

Renal abscess with bacteremia caused by extended-spectrum \u03b2-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli: a case report

BackgroundRenal abscess in children is a rare and severe form of infectious kidney disease that is responsible for several serious complications. In this report, we describe a previously healthy 5-year-old girl with a renal abscess caused by extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli (E. coli), which led to bacteremia and renal scarring.Case presentationThe patient presented to our department with high fever, headache, vomiting for 2 days and high inflammatory response. We diagnosed her with a urinary tract infection and initiated treatment with ampicillin and cefotaxime. Gram-negative bacilli bacteremia was noted on day 3. On day 4, her fever persisted, and a computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a renal abscess in the left kidney. After identifying the bacteria as ESBL-producing E. coli from the blood culture, we switched to the antibiotic meropenem and continued treatment for 3 weeks. The renal abscess was not drained. Although the renal abscess was successfully treated and it disappeared, a low-density area remained in same lesion on subsequent CT scans and a dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scan performed 4 months after onset revealed renal scarring.ConclusionGiven the increasing prevalence of ESBL-producing microorganisms, clinicians should be aware of the possibility of renal abscesses caused by community-acquired ESBL-producing organisms even in previously healthy children. Once a renal abscess is suspected, early diagnosis and management are important for reducing the risk of life-threating complications and renal scarring.

Relationship between low serum vitamin D status and urinary tract infection in children: a case–control study

ABSTRACT Background A link between vitamin D deficiency and susceptibility to bacterial and viral infections has recently been suggested. Aim To investigate a possible association between vitamin D deficiency and urinary tract infection (UTI). Methods A case–control study was undertaken comprising 75 children aged 2–7 years with UTI (cases) compared with 75 healthy controls in terms of serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels. Serum 25(OH)D levels were measured using a chemiluminescence assay. For cases, dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) renal scan was used as the gold standard to distinguish between acute lower UTI (cystitis) and acute pyelonephritis. Results Median (IQR) 25(OH)D levels were lower in the UTI group [14.5 ng/mL (9.4–18.8)] than in the controls [27 ng/mL (22.4–39.0)] (p< 0.001). In addition, the prevalence of 25(OH)D levels <20 ng/mL was higher in the children with UTI than in the controls (68% vs 18%) (p< 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference between the cystitis and pyelonephritis groups in mean (SD) serum 25(OH)D levels—18.76 (9.35) ng/mL vs 13.94 (6.97) ng/mL, p< 0.05, respectively. Conclusion Low serum vitamin D is associated with UTI and supports the hypothesis that children with low vitamin D levels could be at greater risk of UTI.

Clinical value of late DMSA scan in predicting Vesicoureteral Reflux in children with febrile Urinary Tract Infection

Aim: To assess the usefulness of late dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) renal scans in revealing high-grade vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). Material and Methods: Between July 2015 and December 2016, medical records of 112 patients who were admitted with febrile urinary tract infections (fUTIs) were retrospectively reviewed. The demographic information of the patients, and follow-up imaging [ultrasonography (USG), DMSA renal scans, and voiding cystourethrography] data were reviewed.Results: Of the 112 patients, 82 patients (73.2%) were female, 30 were male (26.8%), and the mean age was 7.04 ± 3.94 years. Recurrent fUTIs were detected in 65 patients (58%). Of the patients, 68 (60.7%) had abnormal urinary system USG, and 74 (66.1%) had abnormal DMSA renal scans. Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) was detected in 63 patients (56.3%). VUR was present in 49 (66.2%) of 74 patients with scarring in DMSA and detected in 14 (38.8%) of 38 patients with normal DMSA scans. Significant agreement (kappa: 0.274 / p=0.003) was found between DMSA and VUR results. The sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive values of late DMSA renal scan to predict VUR were 77.8 %, 49 % and 63.2% respectively.Conclusion: Abnormal late DMSA scans carry a higher sensitivity and positive predictive value for predicting high-grade VUR in children with recurrent fUTIs. Late DMSA imaging seems a useful option in screening for high-grade VUR in children when the acute interventions are limited.

In children with urinary tract infection reduced kidney length and vesicoureteric reflux predict abnormal DMSA scan.

To evaluate sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV, respectively) of renal ultrasonography (US) in predicting renal uptake defects or reduced renal function at Tc-99m dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scan (primary outcome). We also evaluated which factors could be associated with Tc-99m DMSA renal scan anomalies. We retrospectively included all the patients with vesico-ureteral reflux (VUR) undergoing the first Tc-99m DMSA renal scan within 3 months from the most recent renal US between 2016 and 2018. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of US in predicting abnormal Tc-99m DMSA scan were 38.9%, 91.5%, 71.9%, and 72.9%, respectively. Different length between the kidneys, expressed as standard deviation score (SDS), showed an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.70 (95% CI, 0.60-0.80; p < 0.0001) when evaluated as predictor of abnormal Tc-99m DMSA scan. A different length between the two kidneys >1.11 SDS had 91.5% sensitivity and 57.6% specificity. At multivariate analysis, the factors with significantly increased odds ratio of abnormal Tc-99m DMSA scan were difference in length between two kidneys >1.11 SDS and dilated VUR. The Tc-99m DMSA scan remains the gold standard to detect renal parenchymal anomalies. A different length between the kidneys >1.11 SDS and dilated VUR are predictors of abnormal Tc-99m DMSA renal scan.

The role of 99mTc dimercaptosuccinic acid scintigraphy in detection of vesicoureteral reflux in pediatrics with first episode of acute pyelonephritis

Introduction: Acute pyelonephritis is a common disease in children leading to permanent renal function impairment due to renal scarring with the risk of later hypertension. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the role of initial 99mTc dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scintigraphy for detecting the early renal parenchymal damage in children with the first episode of acute pyelonephritis (APN). Patients and Methods: This study was conducted among 161 hospitalized children with the first clinically episode of APN from January 2008 to April 2013 in pediatric clinical research of development center in Qom, Iran. DMSA renal scintigraphy, ultrasonography (US), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), urine analysis and culture were performed in all patients. DMSA renal scan and voiding cystourethrogram(VCUG) was done within 15 days and one month after the diagnosis of APN using the standard protocol, respectively. Results: Children with the first episode of acute pyelonephritis aged 1 month to 12 years were enrolled in this study. There were no statistically significant correlations between initial decreased uptake detected by DMSA renal scan with age, gender, body temperature, CRP levels or ESR. The positive and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV) of diminished uptake on DMSA renal scans for detecting the presence of VUR on VCUG were (43.2%) and (93.3%), respectively. Conclusion: Children with a normal DMSA renal scan during their the first episode of UTI rarely have VUR. Avoidance of VCUG in children with negative DMSA renal scans could significantly eliminate the use of this potentially traumatic test.

Renal pyelocalyceal squamous cell carcinoma in a patient with an ectopic kidney presenting with chronic pyelonephritis: a case report

BackgroundUntil now, few cases of pelvis squamous cell carcinoma in various renal anomalies have been reported. To our knowledge, primary squamous cell carcinoma arising from a pelvic ectopic kidney has never been described. In this report, we describe a case of renal pyelocalyceal squamous cell carcinoma in a patient with an ectopic kidney presenting with chronic pyelonephritis.Case summaryA 73-year-old Caucasian woman presented to our hospital with pyelonephritis symptoms. Abdominopelvic computed tomography revealed heterogeneous and irregular minimal contrast enhancement in the pelvic ectopic kidney parenchyma. Radiologists reported that the images were consistent with chronic pyelonephritis. A Tc-99m dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scan demonstrated a nonfunctioning right pelvic ectopic kidney. The patient underwent open simple nephrectomy via modified Gibson incision. The whole mass was a distended, saclike structure without any grossly visible renal tissue. Pathological examination showed renal pelvis squamous cell carcinoma 8 cm in diameter infiltrating into the renal capsule and perinephritic fatty tissue. The patient was staged as T4N0M1 renal pelvis squamous cell carcinoma. The patient was being treated in the intensive care unit for respiratory distress on the seventh day after the operation. By the first-month follow-up visit, the patient had died of acute respiratory distress syndrome.ConclusionsAlthough rare, renal pelvis squamous cell carcinoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a renal mass in patients who have renal anomalies and chronic pyelonephritis.

Comparison of Tc-99m DMSA Renal Planar Scan and SPECT for Detection of Cortical Defects in Infants with Suspected Acute Pyelonephritis.

To compare the detection rate of Tc-99m dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) renal single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) with that of planar scan for renal cortical defects in infants under one year of age with suspected acute pyelonephritis. Sixty infants under one year of age who exhibited fever and pyuria were prospectively included in this study. All infants underwent concurrent Tc-99m DMSA renal planar scan and SPECT. Detection rates for cortical defects and the numbers of cortical defects in both kidneys were compared between Tc-99m DMSA planar scan and SPECT. The cortical defects were classified as large and small; the rate of discordant results was compared between subgroups. Negative findings by planar scan in 11 infants (11.3%) were modified to positive findings by SPECT. The detection rate of SPECT was significantly higher than that of planar scan (53.3% vs. 35.0%, p < 0.001). The numbers of cortical defects on SPECT were significantly higher than those on planar scan (0.85 ± 0.97 vs. 0.53 ± 0.83, p < 0.001). A significantly higher rate of discordant results between the planar scan and SPECT was observed for the small cortical defects compared to the large cortical defects (48.6% vs. 14.3%, p = 0.029). Tc-99m DMSA renal SPECT showed a higher detection rate, compared with planar scan, for renal cortical defects in infants with suspected acute pyelonephritis. The study results suggest that, compared with planar scan, Tc-99m DMSA SPECT can detect small cortical defects with greater sensitivity.

Characteristics and Findings of Childhood Urinary Tract Infection in the Last Decade

Background: The strong association between kidney and urinary tract anomalies and childhood urinary tract infection (UTI) often leads to imaging tests being performed. ­Objective: To describe the epidemiology, characteristics, and imaging findings in Thai children with UTI and compare results between boys and girls. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of children with UTI aged < 15 years. Demographic characteristics and findings of investigations are presented. Results: One hundred seventy-eight boys and 170 girls with 432 UTI episodes were identified. The median (interquartile range) age at presentation was 1.4 (0.6–3.4) years, 1.0 for boys and 2.1 for girls (p < 0.001). Renal ultrasound, voiding cystourethrogram and ^99mTc dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) renal scans were performed in 273, 223 and 113 children, respectively. Overall, 283 children (81.3%) had at least one imaging study done and anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract were detected in 158 (45.4%). Primary vesicoureteral reflux was detected in 73 (32.7%) children. The remaining abnormalities were hydronephrosis (n = 54). DMSA scans detected 54 children with dysplastic or scarred kidneys. Conclusions: First UTI in a group of Thai children occurred in approximately equal proportion in boys and girls but boys were younger at diagnosis. Kidney and urinary tract anomalies were detected in half of the children.

Does endoscopic sclerotherapy in filarial chyluria affect renal function and morphology? A prospective study using dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scan

ObjectiveTo look for change in relative renal function and document renal scarring following endoscopic renal pelvic instillation sclerotherapy (RPIS) in patients with chyluria by dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) renal scan. MethodsA prospective study was performed between November 2015 and September 2016. All patients with biochemically documented chyluria who underwent RPIS using either 1%-silver nitrate or 0.1%-povidine iodine were included. Patients received either 3-, 6- or 9-doses. DMSA renal scan was performed before and 2–3 months after sclerotherapy. ResultsOf the 34 patients, 22 were males. Mean age was 41.08 ± 16.64 years (range, 15–70 years). Thirty-two patients (94.1%) responded to therapy while two did not respond even after 9-doses. Average follow-up was 8.94 ± 3.70 months. The mean relative renal function (pre-instillation) of normal kidney was 50.76% ± 3.55% while that of affected renal unit (side of instillation) was 49.20% ± 3.44% (range, 43.0%–61.0%). After instillation therapy, the mean relative renal function of normal side was 52.26% ± 3.57% while that of affected renal unit was 47.50% ± 3.56% (range, 41.0%–54.0%). The relative renal function did not change >5% from the baseline value in any patient except one (in which the differential function increased paradoxically by 12%). Two patients developed renal scar in post-instillation renal scan. ConclusionEndoscopic sclerotherapy in chyluria is safe and effective. The relative renal function does not deteriorate by more than 5%. There is a small risk of development of renal scar. More studies involving larger number of patients are needed to answer this dilemma.