What type of scans can be conducted with Tc-DTPA?

• A. Bone scans and liver imaging
• B. Lung ventilation (PE), renal (GFR), brain survival
• C. Cardiac perfusion studies
• D. Abdominal ultrasound

Answer: (B)

Tc-DTPA, or Technetium-99m diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid, is commonly used in nuclear medicine for specific diagnostic imaging procedures. The correct choice highlights its application in lung ventilation imaging, renal function assessment (particularly measuring the glomerular filtration rate, or GFR), and potentially in brain applications related to survival or blood flow dynamics.

Lung ventilation scans utilize Tc-DTPA to assess the airflow in the lungs, often in conjunction with other agents for ventilation-perfusion studies. When analyzing renal function, the ability of Tc-DTPA to provide quantifiable renal uptake facilitates the calculation of GFR, which is a crucial measure of kidney health. The mention of brain survival in this context typically relates to studies assessing perfusion and functionality of cerebral areas, often in patients with conditions like stroke or traumatic brain injury.

In summary, Tc-DTPA is well-suited for these types of scans due to its distribution characteristics and clearance pathways, enabling effective visualization in respiratory and renal contexts, as well as aiding in some neurological assessments.