An evaluation of the use of99Tcm-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) as a static renal imaging agent

Abstract
The clinical value of 99mTc-dimercaptosuccinic acid [DMSA], utilized as a static renal imaging agent, was analyzed in 366 patients. It was diagnostically most useful in space occupying lesions of the kidney when equivocal on i.v. urography and provided useful additional information when used in the determination of divided renal function or the distribution of intrarenal function. Its use was contraindicated in the determination of divided renal function in obstructed kidneys because of accumulation of significant amounts of DMSA that was excreted by glomerular filtration. When DMSA uptake at 3 h after injection was compared with 99mTc-DTPA [diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid] uptake from 90-150 s after bolus injection, there was a good correlation between the 2 methods of determination of divided renal function.