Purpose: Value of renal transplant scintigraphy and resistance index (RI) in the assessment of renal graft function is well known. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of renal transplant scintigraphy and RI for long-term graft function.
Materials and methods: A total of 119 patients were analyzed retrospectively. Renal transplant scintigraphy with technetium Tc 99 m DTPA and color Doppler ultrasonography for RI were performed to each patient within 2 days after transplantation. Resistance index and the results of the tests in perfusion/renographic curve analysis of scintigraphy were compared with the serum creatinine (sCr) levels at 3 months, 1 year, and 5 years after transplantation. A sCr level of more than 1.5 mg/dL was considered abnormal.
Results: Differences of the mean values of T½ of graft washout (GW½), time difference between peak renal perfusion and arterial count ([INCREMENT]P), and accumulation index (R20/3) were significantly high in patients with high follow-up sCr (>1.5 mg/dL) (P < 0.01). The correlation of these tests with the follow-up sCr levels was significant (P < 0.01). The number of recipients with high perfusion curve grade was also significant in the follow-up groups with high sCr levels. However, difference of the mean value of RI was insignificant between the follow-up groups, and there was no correlation between the RI and sCr levels.
Conclusion: Renal transplant scintigraphy performed within 2 days after transplantation is useful in the prediction of long-term graft function at 3 months, 1 year, and 5 years; and it is superior to resistance index.