Is increased radiotracer uptake in the kidneys a clinically relevant finding on a bone scan?
If one or both kidneys have increased uptake on a bone scan, this finding can be clinically relevant because such a finding can occur in the setting of hydronephrosis and obstruction. Increased uptake on a bone scan may also be the result of the effects of chemotherapy or from involvement by tumor, nephrocalcinosis, radiation nephritis, or acute tubular necrosis. A patient with abnormally increased uptake in one or both kidneys may be followed up with additional imaging such as CT, MRI, or renal scintigraphy if clinically indicated.
