Question Title: What is done during a renal perfusion scan?

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A renal perfusion scan entails administration of a radiotracer into the blood stream and detection of the radiotracer on a gamma scintillation camera (a type of Geiger counter) as the tracer flows through the renal artery and is taken up in the kidney and is subsequently washed out into the urinary tract/collecting system. The test is non-invasive, and offers lower patient absorbed radiation dose than most standard x-ray tests. The only discomfort is the needle “ stick “ to introduce the medication.

A renogram can be performed to answer a variety of questions. However, a Renal Perfusion Scan specifically offers information about blood flow to the kidneys which is normally compromised in renal artery stenosis. In order to look for renal artery stenosis, a Captopril (ACE Inhibitor) challenge renogram is performed, where an oral dose of captopril is given, and the a renal scan (or renogram) is obtained an hour later as described above. Asymmetry in uptake (slow uptake due to renal artery stenosis on the affected side) and washout (slow washout of the radiotracer into the collecting system) indicate renal artery stenosis.

The physiology of the changes that occur in a person with or without renal artery stenosis in the presence of an ACE Inhibitor (like Captopril) is complicated and beyond the scope of our forum. However, the description above is essentially what you should expect when a renal perfusion scan is performed.

This information is provided for general medical education purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition.
More individualized care is available at the Henry Ford Hospital and its suburban locations (1 800 653 6568).

Sincerely,
HFHS-M.D. J.J.
*Keyword: Renal perfusion scan, Renal artery stenosis, hypertension

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