[Diagnostic evaluation on cerebral hemisphere scintigraphy using 99mTc-MAA (author's transl)]

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Medicine
• Neurology
• Radiology

Background:

• Cerebrovascular diseases pose significant diagnostic challenges.
• Accurate assessment of cerebral blood flow is crucial for diagnosis and treatment planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the utility of 99mTc-MAA for assessing cerebral blood flow distribution in various cerebrovascular diseases.
• To determine the sensitivity of 99mTc-MAA in detecting cerebral infarcts and other lesions.

Main Methods:

• 151 patients with various cerebrovascular diseases underwent cerebral blood flow imaging.
• 3 mCi of 99mTc-MAA (particle size 10-100 micron) was injected into the common carotid artery.
• Cerebral blood flow distribution was analyzed based on 99mTc-MAA uptake patterns.

Main Results:

• 99mTc-MAA distribution was homogeneous in normal cerebral hemispheres but heterogeneous in diseased areas.
• Lesions typically appeared as non-radioactive areas, while hypervascular meningiomas appeared as hot areas.
• Cerebral infarcts, even in small arteries, were clearly visualized, surpassing conventional angiography (CAG) detection capabilities.

Conclusions:

• 99mTc-MAA scintigraphy is a valuable, sensitive tool for detecting cerebral infarcts and other cerebrovascular abnormalities.
• The method offers reduced radiation exposure compared to standard brain scans due to lower dosage and rapid excretion.
• This technique aids in the diagnosis of cerebral infarcts, sequelae of cerebral apoplexy, and head injuries.