Contradictory Renal Function Measured With Mercaptoacetyltriglycine Diuretic Renography in Unilateral Hydronephrosis

AbstractPurpose: We studied apparently supranormal renal function in hydronephrotic kidneys, as measured by99m 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 percent 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 less than 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.