Renal imaging: DMSA scan: practice question

A Radiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Radiology · Renal imaging: DMSA scan

Sample item

Which radionuclide study is best for detecting renal cortical scars after pyelonephritis?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. Tc-99m DMSA scan

DMSA binds to proximal tubular cells and shows functioning cortical tissue, so scars appear as photopenic defects with contour loss. DTPA measures glomerular filtration and MAG3 provides excretion and drainage data. It is also used to determine differential function.

Option by option

  • A. Tc-99m DMSA scan (correct)

    Correct. DMSA provides cortical imaging for scars.

  • B. Tc-99m DTPA scan

    DTPA is used for GFR and renography.

  • C. I-131 scan

    I-131 images thyroid tissue.

  • D. Tc-99m MAG3 scan

    MAG3 assesses tubular secretion and obstruction.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Radiology question

What is the answer to this Radiology question?

The best answer is A, Tc-99m DMSA scan. DMSA binds to proximal tubular cells and shows functioning cortical tissue, so scars appear as photopenic defects with contour loss.

Why is "Tc-99m DTPA scan" not the answer?

DTPA is used for GFR and renography.

Why is "I-131 scan" not the answer?

I-131 images thyroid tissue.

Why is "Tc-99m MAG3 scan" not the answer?

MAG3 assesses tubular secretion and obstruction.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Renal imaging: DMSA scan in Radiology. DTPA measures glomerular filtration and MAG3 provides excretion and drainage data. It is also used to determine differential function.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Renal imaging: DMSA scan?

Learn signs with the image, and the disease they point to. Then use the flashcards and the other Radiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.