Furosemide may trigger life-threatening sulfonamide cross-hypersensitivity reactions, posing a dilemma in patients who need diuretic renal scintigraphy.
Methods: We present our experience using ethacrynic acid as a nonsulfonamide alternative diuretic in 5 patients, with a discussion of the diuretic molecular structure, potential side effects, protocol development, and imaging results.
Results: Diuretic renal scintigraphy using ethacrynic acid provided useful information about the obstruction status in all patients, with no adverse clinical impact.
Conclusion: Ethacrynic acid is a potential alternative to furosemide for patients with severe sulfonamide reactions.
Keywords: diuretic renal scintigraphy; ethacrynic acid; sulfonamide allergy.
© 2015 by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Inc.