Static renal scintigraphy with 99mTc-DMSA for the assessment of renal damage after therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children.

INTRODUCTION

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and its treatment may adversely affect kidney function. The aim of the present study was to determine whether 99mTc-DMSA static renal scintigraphy can be used to disclose kidney damage at the end of therapy for ALL in children.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

The study group consisted of 48 ALL patients aged 6.6-22.9 years, with a mean time of continuous complete remission of 51 months. Static renal scintigraphy with 99mTc-DMSA was performed in all patients.

RESULTS

Minor scars in the renal cortex were diagnosed with scintigraphy in 6 (13%) patients. A significant correlation was found between renal scarring and a history of urinary tract infection.

CONCLUSIONS

No clinically significant kidney damage was found after completion of treatment of ALL. Static renal scintigraphy may be a valuable noninvasive method for visualization of renal cortex pathology.