A method of quantitative 67Ga scintigraphy in the evaluation of pulmonary sarcoidosis

67Ga scintigraphy was performed in 42 patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis and in 30 control subjects. Accumulation of the radionuclide in hili and lungs was quantified by a computer method. The values in control subjects were found to be within a relatively narrow range. The pattern of 67Ga accumulation clearly differed in patients who were radiographically defined as having only lymphadenopathy and in patients also having parenchymal involvement. Corticosteroid therapy resulted in a sharp decline of values of isotope uptake, although hilar activity remained slightly elevated. The quantitative uptake measurement proved to be superior to a subjective scoring method.