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Tc-99m HMPAO diffuse pulmonary uptake demonstrated in cigarette smokers
W J Shih1, F Gruenwald, H J Biersack
1Division of Nuclear Medicine, Veterans Affairs, Medical Center, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0084.
Clinical Nuclear Medicine
|September 1, 1991
Summary
Pulmonary uptake of Tc-99m HMPAO, a brain imaging agent, is negligible in non-smokers. Smoking significantly increases lung localization of this radiotracer, impacting diagnostic interpretations.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear Medicine
- Radiopharmacology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Technetium-99m hexamethylpropyleneamine oxime (Tc-99m HMPAO) is a lipophilic radiotracer utilized for brain SPECT imaging in diagnosing conditions like strokes and dementias.
- Normal biodistribution includes brain, heart, kidneys, and hepatobiliary system; pulmonary localization is typically absent in non-smokers.
Observation:
- This study investigated pulmonary localization of Tc-99m HMPAO in relation to smoking history.
- Lung imaging was performed on 23 patients undergoing brain SPECT studies for stroke or dementia evaluation.
- Pulmonary uptake was semiquantitatively graded and correlated with individual smoking habits.
Findings:
- Eleven out of 23 patients exhibited varying degrees of pulmonary uptake (grades 1+ to 3+), all of whom had a history of cigarette smoking.
- Twelve patients with no smoking history showed negligible pulmonary uptake (grade 0).
- A significant correlation (chi-square = 23, P = 0.0001) was found between smoking history and Tc-99m HMPAO lung uptake.
Implications:
- The presence of pulmonary localization of Tc-99m HMPAO should be considered a potential indicator of smoking in patients undergoing brain SPECT imaging.
- Understanding this radiotracer's biodistribution in smokers is crucial for accurate interpretation of diagnostic imaging studies.
- Further research may explore the specific mechanisms and clinical significance of Tc-99m HMPAO lung uptake in smokers.