Evaluation of nuclear imaging for detecting posttransplant fluid collection.

A series of 26 renal allograft recipients studied by both B-mode gray scale ultrasonography and 99mTc DTPA renal nuclear imaging was reviewed. All conclusions were based on written reports generated at the original examination, and B-mode gray scale ultrasonography was considered the definitive examination for fluid collection detection. Sensitivity of nuclear imaging for the detection of fluid was 73%; however, it becomes 85% when fluid collections in close proximity to the bladder are excluded. Renal allograft nuclear imaging is a useful examination for primary detection of lymphoceles and also for demonstrating abnormalities in renal dynamics and drainage.