CONTRADICTORY RENAL-FUNCTION MEASURED WITH MERCAPTOACETYLTRIGLYCINE DIURETIC RENOGRAPHY IN UNILATERAL HYDRONEPHROSIS

Purpose: We studied apparently supranormal renal function in hydronephrotic kidneys, as measured by (99m)technetium mercaptoacetyltriglycine renography. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical history, ultrasonography and renography of 29 children. Results: Of the 29 children 7 had greater than 50% relative function in the hydronephrotic kidney. This finding was independent of patient age, gender, degree of hydronephrosis or obstructive pattern. Of these 7 cases 6 occurred on the right side (p <0.05 versus a large registry). Conclusions: In most cases supranormal renal function is caused by a technical problem, likely the inadequate background subtraction of mercaptoacetyltriglycine in the liver.