Related Experiment Videos
Tc-99m RBC imaging for demonstrating intermittent intestinal bleeding.
S Morita1, M Ishibashi, T Yoshii
1Department of Radiology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Japan.
The Kurume Medical Journal
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Technetium-99m labeled red blood cell (Tc-99m RBC) scans effectively located intermittent gastrointestinal bleeding from ileal ulcers. This imaging technique proved crucial for guiding surgical intervention in a challenging case.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Nuclear Medicine
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Intestinal bleeding presents diagnostic challenges, especially when the bleeding site is not readily identifiable.
- Accurate localization is crucial for effective surgical management of gastrointestinal hemorrhage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a case of intestinal bleeding due to multiple ileal ulcerations.
- To evaluate the utility of Technetium-99m labeled red blood cell (Tc-99m RBC) scintigraphy in localizing the source of intermittent gastrointestinal bleeding.
Main Methods:
- Abdominal scintigraphy using Tc-99m RBC was performed to detect bleeding.
- Selective angiography was utilized but did not identify the bleeding source.
- Exploratory laparotomy was conducted for definitive diagnosis and treatment.
Main Results:
- Tc-99m RBC scintigraphy successfully demonstrated intermittent gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Multiple ulcerations were found in the ileum near the terminal ileum during laparotomy, with active bleeding from one site.
- The bleeding site was localized preoperatively using Tc-99m RBC scanning, aiding surgical planning.
Conclusions:
- Tc-99m RBC abdominal scanning is a valuable tool for localizing intermittent gastrointestinal bleeding.
- This imaging modality can significantly improve the diagnostic yield and guide surgical intervention in cases of obscure gastrointestinal hemorrhage.