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

The role of haemolysis of blood in the alterations in the uptake of [99mTc]SC ([99mTc]-sulphur colloid) in vivo in the rat has been examined. When the haemolysed blood (produced by first freezing the blood in liquid nitrogen) was infused into synergenic Lewis rats via the tail vein, there was a significant reduction in the uptake of the [99mTc]SC by the spleen, but lung, liver and kidney uptake remained constant. These results suggest that haemolysis of the blood may play a role in the alterations in RES phagocytic activity observed in the spleen following thermal injury.

Topics: Animals; Burns; Female; Hemolysis; Mononuclear Phagocyte System; Phagocytosis; Rats; Rats, Inbred Lew; Spleen; Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid

Three cases of postpartum hepatic hemorrhage in the syndrome of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count (HELP) were diagnosed by Tc-99m sulfur colloid liver-spleen scanning. Two patients had follow-up scans. One showed rapid resolution of the hematoma on the repeat scan performed six days later, while the other showed delayed resolution on the repeat scan four weeks later. All patients received non-surgical supportive therapy with or without blood transfusion after delivery, and recovered well. Usefulness of radionuclide liver-spleen scanning in the diagnosis of peripartum hepatic hemorrhage and monitoring course of the disease is emphasized.

Topics: Adult; Female; Hemolysis; Hemorrhage; Humans; Liver; Liver Diseases; Pre-Eclampsia; Pregnancy; Puerperal Disorders; Radionuclide Imaging; Syndrome; Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid; Thrombocytopenia