Gallium-67 citrate scintigraphy in idiopathic pericarditis--report of a case

We report a case of idiopathic pericarditis in a 71-year-old woman without a friction rub or electrocardiographic changes suggestive of pericardial inflammation. She noticed dyspnea and palpitation on exertion about 40 days before admission. After admission, pericardial effusion and inflammatory reactions, such as elevated C-reactive protein, were found. Moreover, gallium-67 citrate scintigraphy revealed abnormal isotope accumulation over the cardiac silhouette. Therefore, she was diagnosed as having "active" pericarditis. The finding with the gallium scan became negative with steroid therapy. In this case, a gallium scan was very useful in assessing and monitoring the course of pericardial inflammation.