Detection of gastrointestinal bleeding by radionuclide scintigraphy

Am J Gastroenterol. 1984 Jan;79(1):26-31.

Abstract

Scanning with Technetium 99m labeled autologous red blood cells was performed in 59 patients with clinical suspicion of acute and/or intermittent, chronic gastrointestinal bleeding. In 36 patients (61%), a definite site of bleeding could be demonstrated. A strong correlation with other modalities such as upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy, contrast angiography, and surgical exploration was found. Overall sensitivity of the procedure was 91%; specificity 100% and accuracy 93.3%. It is suggested that radionuclide scintigraphy provides a completely noninvasive, simple, and sensitive procedure which may be routinely used for the detection and localization of gastrointestinal bleeding.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Angiography
  • Colonoscopy
  • Erythrocytes
  • Female
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / diagnosis
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / diagnostic imaging*
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / surgery
  • Gastroscopy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Radionuclide Imaging
  • Sigmoidoscopy
  • Sodium Pertechnetate Tc 99m
  • Technetium

Substances

  • Technetium
  • Sodium Pertechnetate Tc 99m