What is a DMSA scan?

A DMSA (Dimercaptosuccinic acid) scan may be advised in following situations

  • Detection of focal renal parenchymal abnormalities
  • Detection of renal damage, after acute infection .
  • Detection of anatomical abnormalities: abnormal duplex kidney, small kidney, dysplastic tissue, horseshoe kidney
  • Detection of ectopic (abnormally placed) kidney.
  • Confirmation of non-functional multicystic kidney

After injection of the tracer images are taken after 2-3 hours. This is the time taken by the tracer to be taken up by the kidney. In some situations delayed images may be needed. You will be given instructions accordingly.