Primary mesenteric hydatid cyst as the cause of hypofunctioning kidney in [99mTc]Tc-DMSA scintigraphy: Background photopenia can reveal critical findings

Articles in Press

Document Type : Case Report

Authors

Nuclear Medicine Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

10.22034/irjnm.2025.130208.1703

Abstract

This case report involves a 67-year-old woman with a 20-year history of primary mesenteric hydatid cyst (PMHD) who presented with recent right flank pain. An abdominopelvic CT scan showed severe right-sided hydroureteronephrosis caused by a large mesenteric cyst compressing the ureter. A [99mTc]Tc-DMSA scan revealed significant function loss in the right kidney, with a barely visible photopenic area in the mid-abdomen corresponding to the cyst. This case underscores the importance of careful evaluation of scintigraphic images, as overlooked photopenic zones can offer valuable insights into underlying conditions like PMHD, which can lead to renal dysfunction.

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References

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Iranian Journal of Nuclear Medicine

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 27 December 2025

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