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Renal DMSA Scan in Dhakuria

Renal scan- DMSA

Renal Scan- DMSA in Dhakuria

Manipal Hospitals, Dhakuria, West Bengal, is among the leading hospitals for performing Renal Scans—DMSA. A diagnostic imaging test known as a DMSA renal scan assesses the location, size, form, and function of the kidneys. It is also helpful in identifying scarring from past infections and detecting structural abnormalities.

During a DMSA renal scan, a radioisotope called technetium-99m DMSA (dimercapto succinic acid) is injected into the patient’s veins via an intravenous route. This substance is absorbed by the renal system, allowing a gamma camera—a specialised imaging device—to capture detailed images of the kidneys. The scan provides critical information about the size, shape, and function of the kidneys, which is essential for diagnosing conditions such as urinary tract infections, vesicoureteral reflux, and congenital renal anomalies. This diagnostic tool helps in accurately assessing kidney health and planning appropriate treatments.

Our team of experienced nuclear medicine specialists ensures the procedure is safe and comfortable, especially for paediatric patients who may require this scan. The amount of radiation used in a DMSA scan is minimal, making it a safe diagnostic tool with little risk to the patient. We are dedicated to providing you with the most precise, rapid, and accurate diagnosis to ensure the perfect treatment for you.
 

Manipal Hospitals, Dhakuria, West Bengal, is among the leading hospitals for performing Renal Scans—DMSA. A diagnostic imaging test known as a DMSA renal scan assesses the location, size, form, and function of the kidneys. It is also helpful in identifying scarring from past infections and detecting structural abnormalities.

FAQ's

A diagnostic technique called a DMSA scan is used to look at the size, shape, and structure of the kidneys, especially in kids who have urinary tract infections (UTIs). This scan helps identify scarring and assess renal function, which may be affected by conditions such as vesicoureteral reflux. Moreover, damage following injury or decreased blood flow to the kidneys can be found with DMSA scans. Unlike other imaging methods, DMSA binds to functional renal tissue, making it possible to distinguish healthy tissue from damaged areas. Kidney inflammation changes can also be tracked with the use of routine DMSA scans. Since ultrasound scans can only display the size and shape of the kidneys, DMSA scans are frequently advised in addition to other kidney tests or scans. 
 

A DMSA scan is a type of radionuclide scan that involves injecting a small amount of radioactive material, known as technetium-99m DMSA, into a vein. This material binds to the active (functioning) kidney tissue. During the scan, a gamma camera detects the gamma rays emitted by the radioactive material and converts them into images.

The scans show bright, coloured patches known as "hot spots," which are locations where active kidney cells absorb the DMSA. These show that the kidney tissue is functioning. On the other hand, regions with impaired or inactive kidney cells absorb less or none of the DMSA, showing up in the photos as less brilliant patches or none at all. Medical personnel can evaluate the kidneys' anatomy and function with the aid of this contrast.
 

A renal DMSA scan can be used to evaluate:

  • Pyelonephritis (inflammation caused by kidney infections)

  • Both the left and right kidneys' renal functions

  • Ectopia of the kidneys 

  • Infarction (localised tissue death due to lack of blood supply)

  • Acute kidney failure

  • Trauma

  • Underdevelopment of the kidneys

For this scan, no preparation is necessary. You will be informed before your scan if you need to stop taking any medications. Although it is recommended that you consume two to three glasses of water before your scan, you do not need to fast for this scan. In case the child is very young or anxious, sedation may be considered. A urine sample may be collected to ensure there is no current urinary infection, as this could affect the results.
 

A small injection of the radioactive tracer (technetium-99m DMSA) is administered into a vein, usually in the back of the hand. This is typically done about an hour before the scan. Children may be asked to arrive early to receive a local anaesthetic or a special cream to numb the area.

After the injection, the tracer needs to circulate and reach the kidneys, which usually takes two to four hours. During this time, patients might be asked to drink fluids or use the restroom to help clear the tracer from their system.

The actual scanning process involves a gamma camera, which takes about 45 minutes to capture detailed images of the kidneys. The child will need to stay still to ensure clear images. Parents are generally allowed to stay with their children for comfort.
 

You'll feel good enough to return home or to work after the scan. Drinking lots of water is generally advised to aid in the removal of the radioactive tracer from your body.

The radiation used during a DMSA scan is very small and considered to be low-risk. The amount of radiation is much lower compared to other types of scans, such as CT scans.

Patients, including children, can eat and drink normally before and after the procedure. In most cases, post-procedural care is not necessary. However, as the primary method of excreting the radiopharmaceutical from the body is by urine, it is advised that the patient consume plenty of fluids to promote urination. Sedation may be necessary for young children who are unable to remain still during the scan. Standard post-sedation observations will be completed in this instance prior to the kid leaving the department.

DMSA scan is a non-invasive and safe procedure. For most patients, there is no danger involved with the small quantity of radiation exposure from the radioactive tracer utilised in the scan. Still, there's a chance of allergic responses or other side effects, just like with any medical operation using radiation. Before doing the treatment, your healthcare professional will go over the possible dangers and advantages of the DMSA scan with you and answer any worries you may have. You should convey any symptoms or concerns you have during or after the DMSA scan, and you should adhere to any directions given by your healthcare professional. To guarantee the best potential outcomes for your kidney health, your healthcare team is here to help you throughout the process.

Your doctor can assess how much of your kidneys' normal functional tissue is present using a DMSA scan. In order to determine whether one kidney performs differently from the other, doctors can test the relative function of each kidney. Doctors can track changes in the kidneys and determine whether infection is still present or whether scarring is progressing by using routine DMSA scans.
 

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