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

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