technetium-tc-99m-sulfur-colloid and Vascular-Diseases

The authors describe a number of abnormalities that were incidentally found in a series of 132 scintigraphic studies performed for acute gastrointestinal hemorrhage. These incidental abnormalities involved the vascular system, reticuloendothelial system, and soft tissues. Correlative radiographs and computed tomographic scans are presented for some cases. The authors explore the potential impact of these abnormalities on subsequent patient evaluation and care, including radiologic workup.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Erythrocytes; Female; Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage; Humans; Infant; Male; Middle Aged; Mononuclear Phagocyte System; Pelvis; Radionuclide Imaging; Retrospective Studies; Technetium; Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid; Vascular Diseases

Focal radionuclide accumulation of Tc-99m sulfur colloid (SC) and tc-99m macroaggregated albumin (MAA) in the liver has been reported in both inferior and superior vena caval obstruction. We studied a patient with uniform radionuclide accumulation of Tc-99m MAA in the liver during lung scintigraphy. In this patient, both the superior vena cava (SVC) and the inferior vena cava (IVC) were obstructed. Most of the systemic venous return appeared to be passing through the liver on its way to the heart, through the anastomoses between the systemic veins and the portal vein. The the best of our knowledge, uniform hepatic uptake in vena caval obstruction is not reported in the literature.

Topics: Adult; Female; Hemodynamics; Humans; Liver; Mesenteric Veins; Portal Vein; Radionuclide Imaging; Serum Albumin; Sulfur; Technetium; Technetium Tc 99m Aggregated Albumin; Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid; Vascular Diseases; Vena Cava, Inferior; Vena Cava, Superior

Three cases in which venous obstruction in the thorax was demonstrated by visualization of collateral circulation during bolus-injection excretory urography are presented. Visualization of these collateral vessels is highly suggestive of venous obstruction even if this condition is clinically unsuspected. The diagnosis may be confirmed by radionuclide venography, which is easily performed and noninvasive, and allows determination of the level of obstruction, as well as the degree of collateral flow.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Collateral Circulation; Female; Humans; Male; Radionuclide Imaging; Sulfur; Technetium; Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid; Thrombosis; Urography; Vascular Diseases; Vena Cava, Superior