Physiologic increase in activity in right renal pelvis and ureter on bone scan

Ray Ballinger, MD, PhD

Straub Clinic and Hospital

rballinger at straub.net

Abstract

55 y/o woman with history of breast cancer.

Keywords

bone scan renal nm

Publication Date: 28 October 2003

History and Images

55 y/o woman with history of breast cancer.

Findings

Anterior and posterior whole body views from a bone scan using Tc-99m MDP were obtained showing no abnormal activity to suggest metastatic disease, however retention of activity in seen in the right renal pelvis and ureter.

Diagnosis

Physiologic increase in activity in right renal pelvis and ureter on bone scan.

A post void anterior image shows elimination of the increased activity in the right renal pelvis and ureter.

Discussion

Emptying the bladder before scanning is useful to avoid being confused with physiologic retention of activity in the collecting systems. Bladder activity may also obscure subtle abnormal areas of activity in the sacrum and pubis.