sodium-pertechnetate-tc-99m and Swine-Diseases

Medical records of 176 animals that underwent transcolonic sodium pertechnetate Tc 99m scintigraphy between September 1988 and June 1992 were reviewed. The study included 162 dogs, 10 cats, and 4 potbellied pigs. Whenever possible, scan results were confirmed during exploratory surgery or necropsy. For animals that did not undergo surgery or necropsy, additional medical information, (ie, results of histologic examination of hepatic biopsy specimens, clinicopathologic testing, abdominal ultrasonography, and clinical outcome) was evaluated to estimate the likelihood that the scan interpretation was correct. Interpretations were classified as confirmed true, probable true, possible false, or unconfirmed results. Of the 97 scans interpreted as positive for portosystemic shunting, 85 were classified as confirmed true-positive results, 5 were classified as probable true-positive results, and 7 were classified as unconfirmed results. None were classified as confirmed or possible false-positive results. Of the 79 scans interpreted as negative for portosystemic shunting, 3 were classified as confirmed true-negative results, 54 were classified as probable true-negative results, 1 was classified as a possible false-negative result, and 21 were classified as unconfirmed results. Our results suggest that transcolonic pertechnetate scintigraphy has satisfactory performance as a diagnostic test for macrovascular portosystemic shunting.

Topics: Animals; Breeding; Cat Diseases; Cats; Cattle; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Evaluation Studies as Topic; Portal System; Predictive Value of Tests; Radionuclide Imaging; Retrospective Studies; Sodium Pertechnetate Tc 99m; Swine; Swine Diseases; Swine, Miniature