DMSA Scan

A DMSA scan is a nuclear medicine test that images renal cortical tissue. It detects and maps cortical scarring or defects from recurrent urinary tract infections or pyelonephritis, measures split (relative) renal function, and assesses congenital renal abnormalities or ectopic kidneys. It’s commonly used in children to evaluate kidney damage after infections and to guide management and follow-up.

A DMSA (renal cortical) scan is generally not painful. You may feel a brief sting or mild soreness when the radioactive tracer is injected, but the imaging itself is painless — you simply lie still while cameras take pictures. Young children sometimes need sedation to stay still. Side effects are uncommon; serious reactions are rare. Expect minor discomfort at the injection site only.

Another name for a DMSA scan is renal cortical scintigraphy, often called a 99mTc-DMSA renal scan. It’s a radionuclide imaging test using technetium-99m–labelled dimercaptosuccinic acid to evaluate renal cortical function and structure, commonly used to detect scarring, assess differential kidney function, and identify cortical defects following infection or injury.

DMSA is a static cortical renal scan (Tc‑99m DMSA) that images renal cortex to detect scarring, congenital anomalies and accurately measure split renal function; images are obtained hours after injection. DTPA is a dynamic scan (Tc‑99m DTPA) assessing renal perfusion, filtration (approximate GFR) and urinary drainage, useful for obstruction and diuretic renography with immediate imaging.

A DMSA renal scan typically costs about $200–$1,000 in the United States; in private UK clinics about £100–£400, and in India roughly ₹1,500–₹6,000. Actual price depends on location, public vs private provider, facility fees, and whether consultation or report charges are included. Contact local hospitals or imaging centers for precise pricing.

DMSA chelation is usually given as a 19‑day course: 10 mg/kg orally every 8 hours for five days, then 10 mg/kg every 12 hours for 14 days. Duration may vary with exposure severity; repeat courses or alternative treatments can be used if blood metal levels remain high. Treatment, monitoring and exact dosing should be determined by a healthcare professional.