Detection of gastroduodenal ulcers using technetium-99m-labeled sucralfate

Sucralfate is an effective medication for treatment of gastroduodenal ulcers, and 99mTc-labeled sucralfate has been found to adhere to ulcers. In this study, we examined the reliability of confirming the diagnosis of gastroduodenal ulcers--previously detected by endoscopy and histology--by means of sucralfate labeled with 99mTc, imaging 1 and 2 hr after oral administration. Eighteen out of 23 patients were positive by scintigraphy with this method (sensitivity = 78%). In five patients with gastroduodenal bleeding, the study was positive. The procedure was well tolerated and offered a noninvasive procedure that can be performed at the bedside in critically ill patients, and in follow-up of fragile patients.