A case of unilateral decreased PSMA ligand uptake in the kidney suggests its potential use as a functional kidney imaging

Although prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) ligand imaging was initially developed for prostate cancer imaging, there has been increasing evidence of its potential use in kidney function assessment. The decrease in PSMA ligand uptake could be attributed to either obstructive uropathy or underlying renal artery stenosis. Regardless of the cause, it supports the suggestion that PSMA ligand uptake corresponds to kidney function. There have been several reports highlighting the correlation between PSMA ligand uptake and the kidney function, which suggest a potential novel application of PSMA ligand imaging for functional kidney imaging comparable to technetium-99m dimercaptosuccinic acid (Tc-99m DMSA). Our case supports this potential, but further research is necessary before considering the widespread adoption of PSMA ligand as an alternative to Tc-99m DMSA.