Tc-99m MAG3 evaluation of recipients with dual adult cadaveric renal allografts. Simultaneous transplantation of both kidneys from marginal donors.

Purpose: The application of Tc-99m mercaptoacetyl triglycine (MAG3) renal scintigraphy in patients who had simultaneous unilateral retroperitoneal transplant of both kidneys from marginal adult cadaveric donors is assessed.

Methods: Eighteen patients who had this unusual form of kidney transplant were monitored and evaluated by Tc-99m MAG3 renal scintigraphy. More than 60 of the radioisotopic studies, including immediate postoperative and subsequent follow-up examinations, were performed among these patients.

Results: In all the studies, the two transplanted kidneys were not equally well visualized by this scintigraphic procedure because of the inherent difference in their depth from the body surface, a feature of this particular surgical design. Despite this limitation, the efficacy of the scintigraphic procedure for such dual renal allografts appears to be similar to that established for kidney transplants performed in the conventional manner.

Conclusion: To use the scintigraphic procedure effectively, certain sensible and logical adjustments are needed for the comparative visual and semiquantitative assessments of the two kidneys in this special form of transplantation.