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The uterine doughnut: potential pitfall for technetium-99m gastrointestinal bleeding study
1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Morristown Memorial Hospital, New Jersey 07960.
Clinical Nuclear Medicine
|October 1, 1989
Summary
Intense uterine hyperemia, or the uterine "doughnut" sign, can mimic gastrointestinal bleeding on scans. Delayed imaging confirmed it was not a source of bleeding due to lack of change.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Gastroenterology
- Nuclear Medicine Imaging
Background:
- Uterine hyperemia, a common finding post-pregnancy, can present as a distinct sign on imaging studies.
- The uterine "doughnut" sign is characterized by intense vascularity in the uterus.
- Accurate interpretation of imaging is crucial for diagnosing the source of gastrointestinal bleeding.
Observation:
- A case is presented where intense uterine hyperemia mimicked gastrointestinal bleeding.
- The uterine "doughnut" sign was identified as a potential diagnostic pitfall.
- Delayed imaging was utilized to assess the abnormality.
Findings:
- The abnormality showed no serial change in appearance on delayed imaging.
- There was a failure of progression of the scintigraphic abnormality.
- These findings helped differentiate uterine hyperemia from active gastrointestinal bleeding.
Implications:
- Recognizing the uterine "doughnut" sign is essential to avoid misdiagnosis of gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Delayed imaging protocols can aid in correctly interpreting scintigraphic abnormalities.
- This case highlights the importance of considering physiological changes in postpartum patients during diagnostic imaging.