The pattern of renal disease as seen at radionuclide imaging with sonographic correlation (in Nairobi)

Abstract

Introduction Renal disease has become a major disease burden in our worldwide. Evaluation of renal disease is done by lab investigations and imaging. Radionuclide imaging provides objective assessment of renal function and sonography provides structural detail. Objectives The aim of this study was to establish common picked renal pathology on Radionuclide imaging, to establish demographic pattern of disease as well as to establish any side effect profile of the patients we studied. Where sonography results were available, comparison was made with the images acquired on scintigraphy. Methods This was an 8 month prospective study from July 2006 to February 2007 at MITC (Medical Imaging and Therapeutic Centre). All patients presenting for renal scintigraphy who consented were included. For patients below 18, parental consent was sought. Results A total of 83 cases were studied over 8 months. Of these, DTP A were 69 and DMSA studies were 14. The, male to female ratio was 1.3: 1. The mean age was 31 years with a range of 1 month to 84 years. The commonest finding was normal pattern (n= 15), mild to moderate hydronephrosis (n= 13) and severe hydronephrosis with PUJ obstruction (n= 10). Where sonography was availed, there was correlation in 88%. Conclusions No age is exempt from renal disease. A good correlation between renal scintigraphy and sonography was found however they continue to be complementary. No side effects were reported by the patients (100%). Scintigraphy guides the clinician objectively in assessing differential renal function which is important in optimal patient management