Intestinal Activity on Tc-99m MAG3 Scintigraphy in a Patient After Renal Transplant May Interfere with Interpretation

摘要

Although Tc-99m MAG3 has been designated as a replacement for I-131 orthoiodohippurate, a small amount of the administered radiopharmaceutical may be excreted through the hepatobiliary system. Consequently, gallbladder or bowel activity might be seen on follow-up Tc-99m MAG3 images after renal transplant, which could lead to misinterpretation. The authors describe a patient who received a renal transplant whose 90-minute Tc-99m MAG3 image showed bowel activity, suggesting a urinary leak. An additional delayed image revealed movement of the area of radioactivity in the bowel. Thus, in results suggesting a possible urinary leak, further delayed imaging may be used for more definitive diagnosis.