Sequential scintigraphy of the kidneys and joints with 99mTc-pyrophosphate in patients with rheumatic arthritis

The proposed method of sequential scintigraphy of the kidneys and joints in a single administration of 99mTc-pyrophosphate permits obtaining objective information on function and topography of the kidneys and pyodestructive processes in the joints. Dynamic scintigraphy helps to assess visually renal hemodynamics and the anatomotopographic position of the kidney and to obtain exhaustive information on accumulative-evacuatory function of each kidney individually. Scintigraphy also helps to investigate all the joints and to detect pyoinflammatory changes in them. The proposed method considerably reduces the time of investigation and lessens radiation exposure of patients, permitting repeated investigations to assess and correct the treatment of patients with rheumatic arthritis.