ABSTRACT Objective: Dynamic renal scintigraphy complemented by late gravity assisted postvoid images to 60 minutes is a frequently used diagnostic test in the evaluation of hydrone- phrosis. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness in acquiring images at 180 minutes to calculate the late output fraction (LOF) of 99mTc-DTPA in the diagno- sis of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO). Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of 177 patients (196 renal units) of sus- pected cases of clinical UPJO was conducted. The patients were submitted to at least two dynamic renal scintigraphies of 99mTc-DTPA, with the addition of furosemide (F0), with a mean age of 4.3±3.8 years for the first study, and a follow-up of 2.7±2.5 years. Results: For diagnosis based on renal curves, a 100% sensitivity, 82.2% specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) of 10.4% and negative predictive value (NPV) of 100% were estimated. For diagnosis based on LOF, a 100% sensitivity, 96.3% specificity, PPV of 35.7% and NPV of 100% were estimated. Conclusion: A LOF <10% is indicative of UPJO, and a LOF ≥15% is indicative of no UPJO. The data demonstrate that LOF presents equivalent sensitivity and NPV, and higher specificity and PPV in comparison to diagnosis based on renal curves, and is useful in the evaluation and follow-up of suspected cases of UPJO.

As alterações imunitárias que ocorrem durante a gravidez são ainda pouco compreendidas. Para determinar a influência da gravidez na atividade fagocitária do sistema mononuclear fagocitário (SMF) foram utilizadas vinte ratas adultas. Os animais foram divididos em dois grupos (n-10): Grupo 1 - controle, Grupo 2 - ratas prenhas. A função do sistema mononuclear fagocitário foi determinada pela captação de enxofre coloidal marcado com 99mTc pelos órgãos do SMF, além de avaliar a permanência do radiofármaco em coágulo sangüíneo. O peso e a radiação de cada amostra foram medidas. Realizou-se também análise histológica desses órgãos. Os resultados foram comparados pelo teste t de Student. Em todos os animais, a captação do radiofármaco foi maior no fígado, seguido pelo baço e pulmão. O coágulo sangüíneo apresentou uma quantidade mínima de radiação. As ratas grávidas registraram menor captação do colóide no fígado e maior captação no pulmão em relação ao grupo controle. Não foram evidenciadas alterações na histoarquitetura desses órgãos. Em rata grávida, a atividade fagocitária do SMF diminuiu no fígado, porém aumentou no pulmão.

Alterations of the immune function during the pregnancy are not well understood. To assess the influence of pregnancy on the phagocytic function of the reticuloendothelial system twenty adult female rats were divided into two groups: Group 1 (n=10) - control, Group 2 (n=10) - pregnant rats. The assessment of the phagocytic function of the reticuloendothelial system was by the uptake of sulphur colloid labeled with Tc99m by the reticuloendothelial system organs as well as to assess the permanence of the radio isotope in blood clots. The weights and radioactive levels of the samples were measured. Histologic analyses of these organs were performed as well. The results were compared using the Student t-test, with significance at p<0.05. The scintigraphic values were higher in the liver followed by spleen and lung. The blood clot presented with only a low amount of radiation. The pregnant rats registered lower radiation levels in the liver and higher in the lung when compared with the control group. The histo-architecture of the studied organs did not show any alterations. Pregnancy reduces the phagocytic function of the liver but increases the role of the reticuloendothelial system function of the lung.