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Resolution of cortical lesions on serial renal scans in children with acute pyelonephritis

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Abstract

Background

The ideal time for distinguishing a renal scar from acute inflammatory lesions by renal DMSA scintigraphy remains controversial.

Objective

To determine the time needed for resolution of lesions after acute pyelonephritis.

Materials and methods

A total of 105 children with acute pyelonephritis underwent renal sonography, voiding cystourethrography and baseline DMSA scintigraphy. Two subsequent scans were performed during the 6th and 12th months in patients with abnormal findings on the previous scan.

Results

The baseline DMSA scintigraphy revealed cortical lesions in 37 patients. At 6 months, 13 patients (38.2%) were found to have cortical lesions. At 12 months, 6 patients (17.6%) were found to have persistent renal cortical lesions. The resolution rates for lesions detected on the first scan were 61.8% and 82.4% on the 6- and 12-month scans, respectively. Vesicoureteric reflux, and bilaterality or multifocality were not relevant for resolution of lesions. Female gender seemed to be associated with a higher persistence rate.

Conclusions

The renal cortical defects present at 6 months have a high rate of resolution later during follow-up. DMSA scintigraphy performed 12 months after the infection provides more reliable data regarding persistence of renal cortical lesions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Urology, Numune Teaching and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey

    Koray Agras, Altuğ Tuncel & Ali Atan

  2. Angora Evleri, Camlıca Cad. Sahin Sok. E4 Blok 11, Beysukent, 06800, Ankara, Turkey

    Koray Agras

  3. Department of Nuclear Medicine, Numune Teaching and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey

    Hülya Ortapamuk & Seniha Naldöken

Authors
  1. Koray Agras
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  2. Hülya Ortapamuk
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  3. Seniha Naldöken
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  4. Altuğ Tuncel
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  5. Ali Atan
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Correspondence to Koray Agras.

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Agras, K., Ortapamuk, H., Naldöken, S. et al. Resolution of cortical lesions on serial renal scans in children with acute pyelonephritis. Pediatr Radiol 37, 153–158 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-006-0362-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-006-0362-4

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