Which type of scans are performed with Tc succimer (DMSA)?

• A. Cardiac imaging
• B. Renal cortical imaging
• C. Cerebral perfusion
• D. Bone imaging

Answer: (B)

Tc succimer (DMSA) is specifically utilized for renal cortical imaging. This radiopharmaceutical is particularly effective in assessing renal function and structure, particularly in the context of the renal cortex. DMSA radiotracer allows for the visualization of the kidneys, helping to identify various conditions such as renal scars, infections, or congenital anomalies.

The reason Tc succimer is chosen for renal imaging hinges on its property of being taken up by renal tubular cells, providing excellent images of the renal cortex. This characteristic makes it a valuable tool in both diagnosing and monitoring kidney diseases. During a DMSA scan, the distribution of the tracer within the kidney can reveal differences in function or structure that are crucial for diagnosis.

In contrast, the other scan types listed—cardiac imaging, cerebral perfusion, and bone imaging—utilize different radiopharmaceuticals specifically designed for those applications, focusing on other organs or systems within the body. For example, cardiac imaging typically involves radiotracers such as Tc-99m sestamibi or Tc-99m tetrofosmin, which are suited for assessing myocardial perfusion, while cerebral perfusion often employs different agents focused on brain blood flow. Bone imaging usually utilizes radiotracers like Tc