Gallbladder Visualization on MAG-3 Renal Scan

MAG3 may be visualized in the gallbladder in patients with renal failure or those in a fasting state.

Because of biliary excretion of MAG-3, it is possible for MAG-3 to accumulate in loops of bowel and mimic urinary leak in patients with renal insufficiency.

Image courtesy of Dr. Eric Rohren, M.D.

References

• Arroyo AJ, Semaan HB, Minkus KD, Patel YP. Factors affecting the hepatobiliary excretion of 99mTc-MAG3: its clinical significance in routine renography. J Nucl Med Technol. 2003 Mar;31(1):18-20.
• Dogan AS, Kirchner PT. Hepatobiliary excretion of MAG3. Simulation of a urinary leak. Clin Nucl Med. 1993 Sep;18(9):746-50.
• Taylor A Jr, Eshima D, Christian PE, Wooten WW, Hansen L, McElvany K. Technetium-99m MAG3 kit formulation: preliminary results in normal volunteers and patients with renal failure. J Nucl Med. 1988 May;29(5):616-22.