[The diagnosis of sarcoidosis with gallium-67. A case report]

Uptake of gallium-67 in the chest is a relatively nonspecific indicator of active disease. In patients with suspected sarcoidosis a specific diagnosis can often be made if the head and neck are included during imaging. Seventy-five per cent of patients with sarcoid lesions in the lungs and mediastinum show uptake of the isotope in the salivary glands. If, in addition, the lacrimal glands concentrate the gallium, a diagnosis of sarcoidosis may be made with confidence. A case of mediastinal sarcoidosis, illustrating uptake of gallium-67 in the parotid and lacrimal glands, is discussed.