What does DMSA stand for?

dimercapto succinic acid
DMSA (dimercapto succinic acid) is a short-lived radioisotope that goes directly to the kidneys once inside the body and only stays radioactive for a few hours. Using DMSA and a special camera, nuclear medicine doctors can see the kidneys and diagnose problems at their earliest stages.

Why is a DMSA scan done?

A DMSA renal scan is a diagnostic imaging exam that evaluates the function, size, shape, and position of the kidneys and detects scarring caused by frequent infections. Technetium-99m DSMA (dimercapto succinic acid) is a radioisotope that is injected into your child’s veins through an IV prior to the scan.

How is DMSA performed?

A DMSA scan of the kidneys involves an injection of the radiopharmaceutical into the vein, followed by the scan about 90 minutes to 4 hours after the injection. You can usually leave the hospital or nuclear medicine facility after the injection and return later.

When is a DMSA scan used?

Characterization of certain renal masses, Evaluation of systemic hypertension especially young hypertensive and in cases of suspected vasculitis. It is sometimes used as a test for the diagnosis of acute pyelonephritis. However, the sensitivity of DMSA scan for acute pyelonephritis may be as low as 46%.

What do you need to know about a DMSA scan?

A DMSA scan is a radionuclide scan that uses dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) in assessing renal morphology, structure and function. Radioactive technetium-99m is combined with DMSA and injected into a patient, followed by imaging with a gamma camera after 2-3 hours.

How is DMSA used to treat heavy metal toxicity?

DMSA (meso-2,-3-dimercaptosuccinic acid) is a sulfhydryl-containing, water-soluble, non-toxic, orally administered metal chelator1 that has been in use as an antidote to heavy metal toxicity since the 1950s.

When do you take dimercaptosuccinic acid ( DMSA )?

Dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA), also called succimer, is a medication used to treat lead, mercury, and arsenic poisoning. When radiolabeled with technetium-99m, it is used in a number of types of diagnostic testing. It is taken by mouth for 19 days.

Are there any side effects to taking DMSA?

DMSA is very safe, and usually causes few side effects. Some patients may experience slight gastrointestinal distress or itching, when higher doses are used. As with any chelating agent, DMSA can cause deficiencies of copper, manganese, molybdenum and zinc, if they are not replaced by supplementation.