99mTc-DTPA dynamic SPECT/CT renogram in adults: feasibility and diagnostic benefit

Abstract

Objective The objective of this study is to investigate the feasibility and potential advantages of 99mTc-DTPA dynamic single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) renogram in adults. Methods Fifty-five patients aged 19–80 years (mean 56.3) were enrolled. The imaging protocol included: day 1: 99mTc-DTPA planar renogram, followed by planar 99mTc-DMSA scan. Day 3: attenuation-corrected dynamic 99mTc-DTPA SPECT renogram [DSPECT(AC)] and Cr-51 ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) glomerular filtration rate (GFR) calculation. DSPECT(AC) included an initial CT scan followed by 12 consecutive SPECT sessions acquired via continuous-mode acquisition for a total of 24 min. Fast SPECT sequences (1–2 s/projection, 60 projections, every 6°) were obtained for the first 8 min, followed by slower acquisitions (3–4 s/projection) during the rest of the study. Renal activity was measured in the total kidney volume by regions of interest drawn on consecutive transaxial slices of the third SPECT, which were then copied on the whole 12-SPECT series. Corresponding time-activity curves were created. DSPECT(AC) parameters were compared with those of planar renogram. The reference method for split renal function was 99mTc-DMSA (geometrical mean of anterior and posterior projection counts) and for GFR the Cr-51 EDTA 2-blood sample clearance method. Results DSPECT(AC) images were of good quality. There was good correlation between renogram parameters (time to peak activity and NORA20) comparing the two techniques (r = 0.959 and 0.933, respectively). In 21 cases with >30% absolute difference between the two kidneys, spilt renal function calculation by DSPECT(AC) correlated perfectly (r = 0.968) with the reference method, whereas planar renogram was less accurate (r = 0.843). Anatomic information provided by nonenhanced CT offered an integrated structural-functional view valuable for final diagnosis. DSPECT(AC) early kidney uptake as a fraction of injected dose correlated better with reference GFR (r = 0.789) than the Gates’ method (r = 0.642). Conclusion 99mTc-DTPA dynamic SPECT/CT renogram is feasible with conventional SPECT/CT systems. It allows accurate split renal function measurement, offers additional anatomical information and can be used for closer approximation of GFR compared with Gates’ method.