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[Scintigraphic diagnosis of Meckel's diverticulum using Tc-99m-pertechnetate]
V Valenza1, M Salvatori, A Calisti
1Istituto di Patologia Chirurgica, Università Cattolica S. Cuore, Roma.
Abstract:
Meckel's diverticulum (MD) is a well-known cause of lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage, particularly in the pediatric age group. The radionuclide 99mTc-pertechnetate has been found useful in visualizing MD which contain gastric mucosa. This test is predicated of the affinity of the isotope for the parietal cells of the gastric glands. In an attempt to evaluate the sensibility and specificity of pertechnetate, the clinical data and scintigrams of 27 patients with suspected MD were reviewed. The scintigram correctly identified MD before operation in 6 of 7 patients. The false negative study occurred in a MD without gastric mucosa.
Insights
Technetium Tc-99m pertechnetate scintigraphy effectively identifies Meckel
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Nuclear Medicine
Background:
- Meckel's diverticulum (MD) is a common congenital anomaly.
- It is a significant cause of lower gastrointestinal bleeding, especially in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of technetium Tc-99m pertechnetate scintigraphy for Meckel's diverticulum.
- To determine the sensitivity and specificity of this imaging modality.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of clinical data and scintigrams from 27 patients with suspected MD.
- Utilized 99mTc-pertechnetate scintigraphy, leveraging its affinity for gastric mucosa.
Main Results:
- The scintigram correctly identified MD in 6 out of 7 patients prior to surgery.
- One false-negative case was observed in an MD lacking gastric mucosa.
Conclusions:
- Technetium Tc-99m pertechnetate scintigraphy is a valuable tool for diagnosing Meckel's diverticulum.
- The test's accuracy is dependent on the presence of gastric mucosa within the diverticulum.