[en] Two cases of large gallbladder stones, demonstrated by Tc-99m DIPA scintigraphy are presented. The limitations of this method for routine use and the expectations for the future are illustrated

[en] Two pediatric patients with salmonella infections (one with typhoid fever and the second with salmonella C2 gastroenteritis), had a diffuse abdominal uptake of Ga-67 citrate. The possible explanation for this finding is discussed. Salmonella infection should be included as a cause in the differential diagnosis of diffuse accumulation of Ga-67 citrate

No abstract available

[en] This paper describes a clinical work in progress involving a radonized double-blind trial of two I-123-labeled fragments from monoclonal anti-carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) antibodies, Fab and F(ab')₂, for the diagnosis of colorectal carcinoma. Ten patients with 38 known tumoral sites of metastatic colorectal carcinoma are being studied. Multiple-view whole-body images were obtained after 4,24, and 48 hours. Selected patients underwent single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) of critical body regions. Scans were interpreted double blindly by two different investigators. The authors preliminary results suggest that both I-123-labeled Fab and F(ab')₂ fragments of anti-CEA monoclonal antibodies NP-4 seem to be promising for the detection of colorectal tumor lesions

[en] A gallium-67 study, performed in a rare case of Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) in a 6-yr-old child, showed marked concentration of the tracer in the left and caudate lobes of the liver. Ten days later, a less specific and clear-cut appearance of left- and caudate-lobe concentration of Tc-99m phytate was obtained. The possible use of Ga-67 citrate imaging to diagnose BCS in its earliest stage is suggested, although no firm conclusion can be made from this single case

[en] Fourteen children with histopathologically confirmed neuroblastoma underwent sequential correlative imaging studies using I-131 MIBG, Tc-99m MDP, and Ga-67 citrate during various stages of the disease. Of the patients 86% showed I-131 MIBG accumulation in the primary tumoral site, whereas 71% showed Tc-99m MDP and 79% Ga-67 citrate uptake. In 86% at least one of the two latter radiopharmaceuticals concentrated in the primary tumor. The use of all three radiopharmaceuticals raised the detection rate to 93%. Of the osseous or extraosseous metastases 100% were detected by Tc-99m MDP studies. The I-131 MIBG studies were positive in 71% of the osseous metastases and in 70% of the extraosseous metastases. No Ga-67 citrate uptake was demonstrated in osseous metastases, although one extraosseous lung metastasis concentrated this radiopharmaceutical. Tc-99m MDP bone imaging was the best method for diagnosing metastatic spread of the disease and for monitoring the results of treatment. Primary tumor uptake was best indicated by I-131 MIBG. Both Ga-67 citrate and I-131 MIBG were superior to Tc-99m MDP with regard to accurately demonstrating the extent of primary tumors. Only Tc-99m MDP indicated the relationship of these tumors to the kidneys and neighboring osseous structures, providing early screening of kidney compression. Ga-67 citrate study was mainly indicated in tumors with catecholamine depletion, which failed to concentrate the other two radiopharmaceuticals. I-131 MIBG proved especially useful in detecting neuroblastoma with negative Tc-99m MDP and Ga-67 citrate studies and also proved to be helpful with those cases in which I-131 MIBG was planned for therapy. The following strategy is suggested for evaluating neuroblastoma

[en] A rare case of isolated right ventricular infarction (RVI) is described. The lack of clinical and electrocardiographic findings characteristic of isolated RVI makes this pathology a diagnostic challenge. The role of the radionuclide scintigraphic procedures as a single possible tool for the diagnosis of isolated RVI is emphasized

[en] Twenty patients underwent gated synchronized ²⁰¹Tl myocardial scanning (TMS). Twelve also performed a rest blood pool multigated acquisition (MUGA) study. A ''static'' image was obtianed by adding all the gated frames of the study. In this way we found the conventional static study quite unnecessary. Comparing the gated TMS to the static one revealed significantly improved resolution in the gated images and additional information concerning wall motion and myocardial thickness. Close agreement was found with results of MUGA studies of the same patients. By the addition of diastolic frames the imaging time needed to obtain improved image quality was found to be not more than 10 min per view. The exclusion of imaging time as a limiting factor for gated TMS is stressed. (orig.)

[en] Nuclear medicine, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are considered ideal imaging modalities for pediatric patients. The future is even more promising for pediatric imaging with the development of newer and improved radiopharmaceuticals, instrumentation and diagnostic modalities such as positron emission tomography, labeled monoclonal antibodies, and faster dynamic and contrast enhanced MRI methods. However, correlation of more conventional imaging modalities with nuclear medicine, ultrasound and MRI remain essential for optimal patient care. 43 references

No abstract available