STUDIES ON THE MORPHOLOGICAL AND FUNCTIONAL STATUS OF THE KIDNEY WITH THE SCINTILLATION CAMERA

REPORT 1

Abstract

With the scintillation camera (scintiphotography) one can visualize quickly and with great sensitivity the distribution of gamma- or positron-emitting nuclides in the body. For the studies on the morphological and functional status of the kidney, renal scanning with I-131 hippuran and technetium 99m pertechnetate was performed.
Time-lapse (2-3 minute) scintiphoto taken after intravenous injection of 200μc of I-131 hippuran permits direct monitoring of the passage of labeled hippuran through the renal parenchyma and pelvis. I-131 hippuran is the satisfactory test compound at present for renal testing. On the other hand, technetium 99m has been used effectively to outline the renal vascular system. Exposures was taken at intervals of 5-15 seconds after rapid intravenous injection of 10mc of technetium 99m.
The scintillation camera offers an additional dynamic method of studying the function of the kidney. Its clinical usefulness will no doubt be enhanced by further development of present instrumentation and selection of radioactive tracer materials.