Use of 99m Tc-DTPA Scintigraphy in Evaluation of Ureteral Laceration Due to Transurethral Lithotripsy in a Patient with Nephrolithiasis

World J Nucl Med. 2022 Oct 28;22(1):43-47. doi: 10.1055/s-0042-1757282. eCollection 2023 Mar.

Abstract

Transurethral lithotripsy (TUL) procedure via ureteroscopy as an invasive method for nephrolithiasis treatment would lead to urinary tract injuries. In this reported case, the procedure caused severe damage to the left ureter that was detected by 99m Tc-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid ( 99m Tc-DTPA) scan. Generally, the TUL procedure through the ureter scope is used to manage urinary tract stones. In this case, the TUL was performed on a patient with a history of nephrolithiasis. Following that, she was accompanied with abdominal pain and discomfort, so 99m Tc-DTPA scintigraphy was performed to evaluate the urinary tract system. The scintigraphy showed a severe damage to the left ureter that finally resulted in autotransplantation. The control 99m Tc-DTPA scintigraphy performed 3 weeks after revealed no visible urinary leakage. In this case, the 99m Tc-DTPA scan prevented the patient from dangerous complications. So, 99m Tc-DTPA scan could be performed after TUL and ureteroscopy to detect probable risks.

Keywords: 99m Tc-DTPA renal scintigraphy; nephrolithiasis; radiopharmaceutical scan; transurethral lithotripsy; ureteroscopy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports