Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 1, 2026
ADSC-sheet Transplantation to Prevent Stricture after Extended Esophageal Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection
Published on: February 10, 2017
The diagnostic utility of scintigraphy in esophageal burn: a rat model
Öznur Dilek Çiftçi1, Serdar Savaş Gül1, Kurtuluş Açıksarı2
1Department of Nuclear Medicine, Gaziosmanpaşa University School of Medicine, Tokat, Turkey.
Insights
Technetium-99m-pyrophosphate ((99m)Tc-PYP) scintigraphy effectively detects early-stage corrosive esophageal burns in rats. This imaging technique shows a significant correlation with histological damage, offering a promising diagnostic tool.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear Medicine
- Gastroenterology
- Experimental Pathology
Background:
- Corrosive esophageal injury is a significant pediatric health issue, especially in developing nations.
- Early diagnosis of esophageal burns is crucial for timely intervention and management.
- Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) ingestion causes severe esophageal damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic utility of technetium-99m-pyrophosphate ((99m)Tc-PYP) scintigraphy.
- To assess the early stages of esophageal burns induced by varying concentrations of sodium hydroxide (NaOH).
- To establish a correlation between scintigraphic findings and histopathological assessments in an experimental rat model.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were used, with esophageal burns induced by 15%, 30%, or 45% NaOH.
- Control rats received normal saline.
- (99m)Tc-PYP was administered intravenously 3 hours post-injury, with imaging performed 2 hours later. Histopathological analysis followed.
Main Results:
- All NaOH-treated groups exhibited significantly higher (99m)Tc-PYP uptake ratios compared to controls (P < 0.005).
- Histological examination revealed mucosal disintegration, edema, inflammation, and stromal damage in NaOH-treated rats.
- A strong positive correlation was found between (99m)Tc-PYP uptake ratio and histological damage scores (P < 0.0005).
Conclusions:
- (99m)Tc-PYP scintigraphy is a valuable tool for early detection of corrosive esophageal injuries.
- The imaging technique demonstrates a significant correlation with the severity of esophageal burns.
- Scintigraphy offers a potentially safer alternative to endoscopy in specific clinical scenarios where complications are a concern.
Background:
Corrosive esophageal injury due to accidental ingestion is a serious clinical problem in children particularly in developing countries. The present study was conducted to evaluate the diagnostic utility of technetium-99m-pyrophosphate ((99m)Tc-PYP) scintigraphy in the early stage of esophageal burns by using different concentrations of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) in an experimental rat model.
Materials And Methods:
Twenty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 200-250 g, were used in the study. Esophageal burn model was created in 21 rats by gastrically infusion of various concentrations of NaOH. The rats were divided randomly into three groups: mild-burn group (n = 7) received 15% NaOH, moderate-burn group (n = 7) received 30% NaOH and severe-burn group (n = 7) received 45% NaOH. Seven rats were identified as control group and received normal saline. Three hours after burn injury, 1-mCi (99m)Tc-PYP was administered through tail vein. Two hours after (99m)Tc-PYP administration, static imaging with gamma camera was performed. Then, histopathologic assessment of esophageal samples was achieved properly.
Results:
All NaOH-applied groups (mild, moderate, and severe) showed a significant higher uptake ratio when compared to control group (P < 0.005). NaOH-applied groups displayed important histologic alterations such as mucosal disintegration, edema, inflammation, and stromal damage when compared to control group. Pearson correlation analysis revealed a significant correlation between the (99m)Tc-PYP uptake ratio and histologic score (P < 0.0005).
Conclusions:
The scintigraphic imaging may provide advantages in the early stage of esophageal burns in some patients whom endoscopic procedure is contraindicated because of its high risk of complications such as bleeding and perforation.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Imaging Studies II: Positron Emission Tomography and Scintigraphy
Fundamental Principles of PET
01:13Radiological Investigation III: Pulmonary Angiogram and PET Scan
Pulmonary Angiogram
A Pulmonary Angiogram is an invasive procedure involving injecting a contrast medium through a catheter threaded into the pulmonary artery or the right side of the heart to visualize the pulmonary vasculature. Computed Tomography (CT) scans have mainly replaced this...
01:26Imaging Studies III: Gastrointestinal Motility Studies and Virtual Colonoscopy
Radionuclide Testing
Radionuclide testing is a sophisticated medical technique for assessing gastrointestinal motility. It focuses on gastric emptying and colonic transit time. Radioactive markers track the movement of food through the digestive system, providing insights into gastrointestinal disorders.
In gastric emptying studies, a meal's liquid and...