technetium-tc-99m-sulfur-colloid and Edema

Postoperative axillary lymphoscintigraphy has been performed after time-differentiated intercostal and interdigital injections of a 99Tc-labeled sulfur microcolloid in 313 patients suffering from breast cancer who underwent radical surgery with axillary dissection. As demonstrated by the absence of visualized lymph nodes after both injections, the axillary dissection could be considered as complete in only 34.6% of the investigated patients. The greatest part of lymph nodes, remaining after surgery, corresponds to the inferior and central groups (after interdigital injection). In 15% of the cases the intercostal injection leads to the demonstration of external mammary lymph nodes. According to the analysis of 202 cases with at least 1 year follow-up, the existence of visualized residual lymph nodes represents a factor of risk to develop nodal relapse especially in patients with positive peroperative axillary lymph node status who did not receive postoperative X-ray treatment. Upper limb edema occurs in 22.5% of the cases; mainly in patients with negative lymphoscintigraphic findings (demonstrating the interruption of the axillary lymphatic flux) and without nodal irradiation. Postoperative axillary lymphoscintigraphic findings should be evaluated in connection with the peroperative axillary lymph node status as established according to the histological analysis, and should take into account the number of removed lymph nodes. Preoperative axillary lymphoscintigraphy seems to be a less contributive examination technique.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Axilla; Breast Neoplasms; Edema; Female; Humans; Lymph Nodes; Mastectomy; Middle Aged; Postoperative Care; Radionuclide Imaging; Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid

Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis is a convenient alternate form of treatment in patients receiving hemodialysis for renal failure. Sometimes during the procedure, patients may develop scrotal swelling because of patent processus vaginalis. The diagnostic utility of the peritoneal scintigraphy, an infrequently performed nuclear medicine scan to identify peritoneoscrotal communication, has been reported by many authors. Most of the previous case reports in the literature demonstrated unilateral peritoneoscrotal communication. We present an interesting Tc-sulfur colloid peritoneal scintigraphic image finding of bilateral peritoneoscrotal communication in a 67-year-old man who developed scrotal swelling while undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.

Topics: Aged; Edema; Genital Diseases, Male; Humans; Male; Peritoneal Dialysis, Continuous Ambulatory; Peritoneum; Radionuclide Imaging; Scrotum; Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid

Lymphoscintigraphy is a useful and safe tool for the diagnostic evaluation of a swollen extremity. Unilateral leg swelling with cutaneous chylous vesicles is a common manifestation of chylous reflux. The authors present a case of chylous reflux in an 11-year-old boy who presented with swelling and skin lesions of the left lower extremity.

Topics: Child; Chyle; Edema; Humans; Lower Extremity; Lymph Nodes; Lymphatic Diseases; Male; Radionuclide Imaging; Radiopharmaceuticals; Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid

Ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), venography, lymphoscinti-graphy (LS) and contrast lymphography are frequently utilized in the evaluation of lower limb oedema but no clinical data from the Caribbean have been published on the role of LS despite its well-recognized clinical application. The successful clinical application of CT, colour doppler sonography and MRI in differentiating the various causes of lower limb oedema is well understood. Lymphoscintigraphy has found less acceptability especially in the Caribbean where nuclear imaging techniques are only now currently being developed. This paper describes the initial experience with this technique in 15 patients over a five-year period and discusses its value when lower limb lymphoedema is suspected. Scintigrams were analyzed for visualization of lymph vessels and lymph nodes, dilatation of lymphatic vessels, collaterals and dermal back flow. Lymphoscintigrams were classified as normal (n = 5) or consistent with lymphoedema (n = 10). Failure to visualize lymphatic vessels occurred in two cases of suspected primary lymphoedema. In the remaining eight cases of secondary lymphoedema, a positive study based on altered lymphatic flow and anatomy was recorded. An alternative explanation was offered in three out of five cases in which a normal lymphoscintigram was obtained.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Caribbean Region; Cost Savings; Edema; Evaluation Studies as Topic; Female; Humans; Lower Extremity; Lymphedema; Male; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Radionuclide Imaging; Sampling Studies; Sensitivity and Specificity; Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid

A variety of factors can adversely impact chronic peritoneal dialysis (CPD) as an effective renal replacement therapy for patients with end-stage renal disease. These factors include peritonitis, poor clearances, loss of ultrafiltration, and a variety of anatomic problems, such as hernias, peritoneal fluid leaks, loculations, and catheter-related problems caused by omental blockage. This study reviews our experience with peritoneal scintigraphy for the evaluation of some of these difficulties.. From 1991 to 1996, 50 peritoneal scintigraphy scans were obtained in 48 CPD patients. Indications for scintigraphy were evaluated, and the patients were placed into four groups: group I, abdominal wall swelling; group II, inguinal or genital swelling; group III, pleural fluid; and group IV, poor drainage and/or poor ultrafiltration. A peritoneal scintigraphy protocol was established and the radiotracer isotope that was used was 2.0 mCi of 99mtechnetium sulfur colloid placed in two liters of 2.5% dextrose peritoneal dialysis solution.. Ten scans were obtained to study abdominal wall swelling, with seven scans demonstrating leaks; six of these episodes improved with low-volume exchanges. Twenty scans were obtained to evaluate inguinal or genital swelling, and 10 of these had scintigraphic evidence for an inguinal hernia leak (9 of these were surgically corrected). One of four scans obtained to evaluate a pleural fluid collection demonstrated a peritoneal-pleural leak that corrected with a temporary discontinuation of CPD. Sixteen scans were obtained to assess poor drainage and/or ultrafiltration. Five of these scans demonstrated peritoneal location, and all of these patients required transfer to hemodialysis. The other 11 scans were normal; four patients underwent omentectomies, allowing three patients to continue with CPD.. Peritoneal scintigraphy is useful in the evaluation and assessment of CPD patients who develop anatomical problems (such as anterior abdominal, pleural-peritoneal, inguinal, and genital leaks) and problems with ultrafiltration and/or drainage.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Edema; Evaluation Studies as Topic; Female; Genitalia; Hernia, Inguinal; Humans; Kidney Failure, Chronic; Male; Middle Aged; Peritoneal Cavity; Peritoneal Dialysis; Pleura; Radionuclide Imaging; Radiopharmaceuticals; Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid

The intraperitoneal instillation of dialysate increases intra-abdominal pressure and consequently predisposes to subcutaneous infiltration, leaks, and herniations through defects in the abdominal wall. In this setting, the incidence of abdominal hernias ranges between 9% and 24%. Life-threatening complications (incarceration/strangulation) occur in up to 13.2% of hernias. Therefore, the authors evaluated the efficacy of the Tc-99m sulfur colloid (SC) intraperitoneal scan in the detection of abdominal leaks and hernias in 11 continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients over a 2-year period at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Eleven patients (7M, 4F) ranging in age from 24 to 72 (mean = 50.8), on CAPD, were evaluated for clinically suspected abdominal hernias or dialysate leaks with intraperitoneally administered Tc-99m SC. After the injection of 3-5 mCi of Tc-99m into a standard 2 liter dialysate bag, multiple sequential anterior images of the abdomen were obtained in the supine position over the course of one hour. Delayed images were obtained after ambulation and post-drainage two or more hours postinjection in multiple projections and positions in order to demonstrate any abnormal focal accumulations of fluid to the best advantage. Any detected abnormalities were marked and correlated with the physical examination and the patient's symptoms. Two patients had normal scans. Of the nine abnormal scans, five hernias were identified in four patients and six leaks were detected in the other five patients.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Topics: Adult; Aged; Edema; Female; Hernia, Inguinal; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Peritoneal Dialysis, Continuous Ambulatory; Peritoneal Diseases; Peritoneum; Radionuclide Imaging; Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid

The aim of this work is to explore the patients operated on for a femoro popliteal bypass (FPB) with lymphoscintigraphy (LS) of the lower limbs. Data concerning 35 limbs from 33 patients operated on for a FPB have been included in a prospective study. Superficial and deep LS have been performed by injecting 74 MBq 99mTc-Rhenium Sulphide Colloid into the subcutaneous tissue of the first interdigital space and of the lateral malleolus region respectively. Both superficial and deep LS have been performed before and after surgery. A postoperative oedema was found in 17 of the 35 limbs. The value of the lymphatic flow indices and their variation after surgery do not significantly differ between the oedematous and non oedematous groups. Thirteen of the 17 limbs with oedema have presented an interruption of the lymphatic circulation or a diffuse activity outside the lymphatic vessels on the postoperative superficial and/or deep LS. This proportion is only 1/18 in the non oedematous group. The difference between the two groups is highly significant (P less than 0.001). By contrast, the proportion of lymph cyst does not differ significantly between the two groups. In conclusion, this study confirms the close relationship between the oedema following FPB and surgical damage to the lymphatics.

Topics: Colloids; Edema; Female; Femoral Artery; Humans; Leg; Lymphoscintigraphy; Male; Middle Aged; Popliteal Artery; Postoperative Complications; Prospective Studies; Rhenium; Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid

Eighteen patients with complications secondary to continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis underwent peritoneal scintigraphy utilizing Technetium-99m sulfur colloid. Patients were divided into three groups. Group 1 patients (11) had dialysate leaks leading to abdominal-wall edema, genital edema, or exit-site drainage. Scintigrams were abnormal in nine patients in this group and frequently provided localizing information that aided in the management of leaks. Group 2 patients (five) had recurrent peritonitis. Two of these patients had abnormal scintigrams. In one instance, scintigraphy detected multiple abdominal-wall hernias that may have been responsible for recurrent peritonitis, which resolved following corrective surgery. Group 3 patients (two) had inadequate ultrafiltration but no clinical evidence of a dialysate leak. Scintigrams were negative in this group, eliminating consideration of an underlying structural defect in the peritoneum. Scintigraphic imaging is possible for several hours following instillation of labeled dialysate. This capability is important, since scintigrams that were initially negative frequently became positive after several hours of ambulation. Postdrainage images were also helpful in confirming extraperitoneal leakage. This study demonstrates that peritoneal scintigraphy is a useful diagnostic tool in the management of complications of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Child; Edema; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Peritoneal Dialysis, Continuous Ambulatory; Peritoneal Diseases; Peritoneum; Peritonitis; Radionuclide Imaging; Recurrence; Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid

Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is commonly used in patients with renal failure as an alternative to hemodialysis. A not infrequent complication is scrotal swelling due to bowel or fluid passing through a patent processus vaginalis secondary to increased abdominal pressure. A radionuclide study using Tc-99m sulfur colloid is a safe and simple method to determine if this complication is present or may be used as a pre-CAPD screening procedure.

Topics: Edema; Hernia, Inguinal; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Peritoneal Cavity; Peritoneal Dialysis, Continuous Ambulatory; Radionuclide Imaging; Scrotum; Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid

Topics: Edema; Humans; Leg Injuries; Lymph; Lymphedema; Lymphography; Lymphoscintigraphy; Sulfur; Technetium; Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid; Time Factors

Topics: Adult; Colloids; Conjunctiva; Conjunctival Diseases; Edema; Humans; Lymphoscintigraphy; Male; Methods; Sulfur; Technetium; Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid