Mismatch between Radionuclide and Contrast Angiography in the Assessment of the Perfusion of a Transplanted Kidney

When early complications occur after a kidney transplant, radionuclide angiography may be useful in determining a possible vascular origin. The authors describe the case of a patient with anuria continuing 24 hours after transplantation. Radionuclide angiography showed a defect at the site of the renal graft, suggestive of arterial or venous thrombosis. Contrast angiography was performed immediately but showed no vascular abnormality; neither did radionuclide angiography performed the next day. The authors concluded that a spasm at the site of the renal artery anastomosis, overcome by contrast angiography, could explain this phenomenon.