DMSA Scan Pediatric Nuclear Medicine
What is a DMSA scan and why is it done?
DMSA is short for the name of the nuclear medicine used during this study "dimercapto succinic acid". This study helps your doctor find out the shape, size, location and function of the kidneys. It also helps assess any scarring in the kidneys caused by recurrent UTIs.
Your child may need a DMSA scan if your child has one of these problems.
- Kidney infections (pyelonephritis).
- Renal function issues or concerns.
- Kidney is not in the normal place in the body (ectopic kidney).
- Loss of blood flow and oxygen supply to tissue or organs (ischemia).
- High blood pressure (hypertension).
- Horseshoe kidney.
- Acute renal failure.
- Multicystic dysplastic kidney.
- Trauma to the kidneys.
What should my child expect?
Your child will go to our Pediatric Day Treatment/Sedation Clinic. An IV will be started for possible IV fluids and medicine. We will have a Child Life Specialist on hand to help you and your child through these steps and the study.
Your child may need sedation for this test. Ask your doctor if sedation is needed. If needed, you will be called the day before. They will let you know what time your child should stop eating and drinking. If your child does not need sedation, babies may have their normal feeding and older children may eat and drink before the scan.
Our staff will take you and your child to Radiology for the scan. A technologist will explain the study. The DMSA medicine will be given into the IV. You will then wait 1½ - 3 hours. During this time your child can eat and drink or go out for a walk. You will return to the radiology department where your child will need to lie flat on a table for1-2 hours while a special camera takes pictures. It is very important to be still during this test. The technologist may need to swaddle the child to insure a good study. One or two parents or caregivers may stay with the child during the scan. Bring activities to help your child sit still for the study. You may bring books, movies, or if young enough a bottle to drink.
Once the study is complete the IV will be removed. When your child is stable you will be able to go to the follow up appointment. The doctor will discuss the results of the study with you.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 04/18/2011
Copyright © 04/18/2011 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#7185
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