A renal perfusion scintiscan is a nuclear medicine test that uses a small amount of a radioactive substance to get an image of the kidneys. The procedure also detects important narrowing of the arteries that supply the kidneys (renal artery stenosis).

Before the scan, you will be asked to drink plenty of water, as it is important to be well hydrated. Shortly before the test, you will be given a medication called an ACE inhibitor, either by mouth or intravenously (through a vein). This is a drug used to treat high blood pressure. It is used in the kidney scan to increase the likelihood of identifying important renal artery stenosis.

Soon after the ACE inhibitor is given, you are asked to lie on the scanner table, and a small amount of radioisotope is injected into a vein. The kidneys are then scanned for about 30 minutes. The images are taken as the radioactive material flows through the renal arteries and into the kidneys. It is very important to remain still throughout the examination.

About 10 minutes after the radioisotope is injected, a diuretic ("water pill"), usually furosemide, is given intravenously. Like the ACE inhibitor, the diuretic increases the accuracy of the test.

After the scan, no recovery time is required. You will be asked to drink plenty of fluids to help release the radioactive material from your body.

There is no need for fasting or special diet. You will be asked to drink plenty of water before the scan.

If you are currently taking an ACE inhibitor for high blood pressure, you may be asked to stop taking your medication before the examination. Always consult with your health care provider before stopping any medication.

You may be asked to wear a hospital gown. Remove all jewelry and metallic objects before the scan.

Infants and children:

The preparation you can provide for this test depends on your child's age, previous experiences, and level of trust. For general information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics:

• Infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
• Toddler test or procedure preparation (1 - 3 years)
• Preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 - 6 years)
• School age test or procedure preparation (6 - 12 years)
• Adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 - 18 years)

You may feel a small amount of pain when the needle is inserted.

You must remain still during the scan. You will be instructed by the technologist when to change positions.

There may be some discomfort as your bladder fills with urine during the examination. Inform the technologist if you must urinate before the completion of the scan.

The test evaluates blood flow to the kidneys, in the setting of suspected renal artery stenosis. Significant renal artery stenosis may be a cause of high blood pressure and kidney problems.

Imaging reveals findings compatible with normal blood flow to the kidneys.

Abnormal findings on the scan may be a sign of renal artery stenosis. This condition may be confirmed by comparison with a similar study done without the use of an ACE inhibitor.

If you are pregnant or nursing, your health care provider may want to postpone the test to prevent exposing the baby to the medications and radioisotopes used.

The amount of radioactivity in the injection is very small, and virtually all activity is gone from the body within 24 hours. Although it is extremely rare with renal perfusion scanning agents, a person may develop rash, swelling, or anaphylaxis in response to the medication.

Any time the body is penetrated (such as by a needle prick) there is a risk for infection. Injection into a vein also carries a slight risk for bleeding. The risk is no greater for renal perfusion scan than for intravenous injection of any sort.

There are certain risks involved with the administration of ACE inhibitors. Consult your health care provider regarding your particular condition.

The accuracy of this test may be reduced in individuals with pre-existing kidney disease. You should talk to your health care provider to determine if this test is appropriate for you.