sodium-pertechnetate-tc-99m and Thrombocytopenia

An enlarged spleen failed to accumulate Tc-99m-labeled phytate, but it showed normal perfusion and uptake of labeled and heat-denatured red blood cells. A blood cell count demonstrated moderately low hemoglobin and hematocrit levels and a markedly low platelet count, and results of direct Coombs' and antiplatelet-antibody (IgG) tests were positive. Steroid therapy resulted in normal splenic function. This case demonstrates reversible functional asplenia caused by reticuloendothelial dysfunction secondary to pure splenic chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Topics: Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune; Erythrocytes; Female; Humans; Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell; Leukemic Infiltration; Middle Aged; Organotechnetium Compounds; Phytic Acid; Prednisolone; Radionuclide Imaging; Sodium Pertechnetate Tc 99m; Spleen; Splenomegaly; Thrombocytopenia

Partial splenic embolization using 99mTc-labeled Gelfoam was employed to manage of four renal transplant patients with thrombocytopenia and leukopenia. In each patient the individual Gelfoam particles could be seen on the persistence scope of a gamma camera as they arrived in the spleen. This allowed the precise location of each Gelfoam particle to be defined immediately. Gamma camera imaging of the 99mTc Gelfoam particles in the spleen proved as accurate as selective splenic arteriography in determining the amount of spleen embolized. No ectopic 99mTc Gelfoam particles were found as judged by total body gamma camera imaging obtained immediately after the partial splenic embolization procedure was completed.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Embolization, Therapeutic; Gelatin Sponge, Absorbable; Humans; Kidney Transplantation; Leukopenia; Male; Radionuclide Imaging; Sodium Pertechnetate Tc 99m; Spleen; Technetium; Thrombocytopenia