What scan is specifically used to assess renal scarring and the structural integrity of the kidney?

The DMSA scan, or dimercapto succinic acid scan, is specifically utilized to evaluate renal scarring and the structural integrity of the kidneys. This radiotracer-based imaging technique focuses on the renal cortex, allowing clinicians to visualize areas of damage or scarring that may not be detectable on other imaging modalities.

This scan is particularly effective because it provides not only functional information but also anatomical details about the kidneys. The uptake of the DMSA radiotracer is proportional to the functioning renal tissue, making it an excellent choice for identifying scarring resulting from conditions such as pyelonephritis or renal calculi.

In contrast, while other imaging options like CT scans and ultrasounds are useful for various kidney assessments—including stone detection, cyst evaluation, and overall anatomical examination—they do not specifically target the evaluation of renal scarring or provide detailed information about the cortical integrity. A MAG 3 renogram, on the other hand, primarily assesses renal function and blood flow rather than structural integrity, making it less suitable for assessing scarring directly.