Utility of gallium imaging of the kidneys in diagnosing primary amyloid nephrotic syndrome.
We undertook a study to determine the value of gallium imaging of the kidneys in patients who had primary amyloidosis that was manifest clinically by nephrotic syndrome. We studied 28 patients with gallium-67 (67Ga) citrate scans performed 48 hr after injection. Intense (3+ to 4+) uptake was noted in both kidneys in 25 of 28 patients. Renal amyloidosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis when diffuse bilateral renal uptake of [67Ga]citrate is seen in the setting of nephrotic syndrome. Gallium uptake did not differentiate amyloid nephrotic syndrome from other causes of nephrotic syndrome. Renal gallium uptake showed a weak correlation with 24-hr urine protein excretion (p = 0.06).
Gertz
M A
MA
Dysproteinemia Clinic, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905.
Brown
M L
ML
Hauser
M F
MF
Kyle
R A
RA
D000686:Amyloidosis / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D002951:Citrates; D019343:Citric Acid; D005260:Female; D005710:Gallium Radioisotopes; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009404:Nephrotic Syndrome / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging
D002951:Citrates; D005710:Gallium Radioisotopes; D019343:Citric Acid