Serial scintigraphy during isolated renal perfusion.

A quantitative standard of radioactive impulse activity can be determined as an indicator of renal functional ability during renal transplantation and after perfusion by simple methods. Hippuran excretion is nearly absent at temperature below 8 degrees C but is still measurable and rises with every degree above 4 degrees C. If there is no evidence of Hippuran excretion at 8 degrees C, this will indicate a degree of renal damage. The examination for non-pulsatile, stored kidneys similar to the method employed by Collins appears perfectly satisfactory to us. The radioactive substances do not necessarily damage the organ because the kidneys are washed out rapidly. Similar radioactive materials can be used in pre-operative preservation and during the postoperative periods as a means of control and diagnosis without additional personnel or expenditure. In the past, false values have been obtained, owing to spasm when albumin base solutions have been used. When spasm is noted, repeated measurements should be done to determine if the spasm is true, or the result of organ damage. The basic correlation between organ weight, organ blood flow and scintigraphic impulse rates will give an initial estimate of organ activity, even when the condition of the donor kidney is unknown. Follow-up sequential scintigrams provide information regarding the suitability of the organ for transplantation.