Potential causes of nonvisualization of a kidney on renal scintigraphy
Nonvisualization of a kidney on a renal scan can be seen with prior nephrectomy, renal agenesis, post-traumatic or postsurgical injury to the kidney’s vascular supply, or other vascular or obstructive processes.
Vascular disorders that result in nonvisualization of a kidney include renal artery occlusion and renal vein occlusion. Neoplastic disease can also impair renal function or perfusion, resulting in nonvisualization. Finally, chronic obstruction, such as from ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction, can eventually result in absent flow and function in a kidney
