The use of Technetium-99 pyrophosphate scanning in management of high voltage electrical injuries

The surface thermal burn associated with high voltage (HV) electrical injuries represents only the tip of the iceberg. Occult muscle damage may not become apparent for 5 to 10 days. In this study, the efficacy of Technetium-99m (Tc) pyrophosphate scanning was investigated. Early scanning (within 3 days of injury) of 19 limbs in 15 patients demonstrated a sensitivity of 75 per cent, with a specificity of 100 per cent. The predictive value of a positive test, however, was 100 per cent. Compared to a control group of 17 patients treated without Tc scan, the scan was not associated with reduced hospital length of stay or with decrease in the number of surgical procedures.