sodium-pertechnetate-tc-99m and Finger-Injuries

The authors discuss radioisotope angiography and blood pool imaging for assessing radiation-induced injuries to the hands and the deterioration or improvement in status during follow-up. Two industrial radiographers in two separate accidents were exposed to 22 Ci to 25 Ci of a Co-60 for 2 to 3 minutes each in February 1985. Subsequently, besides routine clinical examinations and other tests, they underwent a series of amputations and grafts in the digits of the hands. A first-pass study with Tc-99m sodium pertechnetate followed by delayed RBC labeled blood pool imaging was performed in September 1988 in both patients. Both had a reduced flow of tracer to the more affected hand and the affected digits. A repeat study performed in March 1989 revealed improvement in perfusion to the more affected hand in the first patient and no change in the second. Delayed blood pool imaging did not reveal any change. The improvement in flow also coincided with the reduction of pain in the affected digits of the first patient. The authors conclude that isotope angiography followed by delayed blood pool imaging is a simple, noninvasive procedure to assess radiation-induced damage to extremities and to evaluate deterioration or improvement during follow-up.

Topics: Accidents, Occupational; Adult; Erythrocytes; Finger Injuries; Humans; Male; Radiation Injuries; Radionuclide Angiography; Sodium Pertechnetate Tc 99m; Technetium Tc 99m Pentetate