Is there a role for Tc-99m (V) DMSA scintigraphy in ischemic colitis?

Abstract

AIM:To evaluate the role of pentavalent Tc-99m dimercaptosuccinic acid DMSA] in the diagnosis of ischemic colitis. METHODS: Fourteen patients with endoscopically and histologically confirmed ischemic colitis were included in the study. Tc-99m (V) DMSA scintigraphy was performed within 2 d after colonoscopy. Images were considered positive when an area of increased activity was observed in the region of interest and negative when no abnormal tracer uptake was detected. RESULTS: In 3 out of the 14 patients, Tc-99m (V) DMSA images showed moderate activity in the bowel. The scintigraphic results corresponded with the endoscopic findings. In the other 11 patients, no abnormal tracer uptake was detected in the abdomen. CONCLUSION: B esides the limited number of patients, Tc-99m (V) DMSA could not be considered as a useful imaging modality for the evaluation of ischemic colitis.

Ischemic Colitis: Surging Waves of Update

“…Tc99m (V) DMSA is a low-molecular weight complex that has been used successfully in the scintigraphic diagnosis of inflammation . But, in conclusion, data suggest that Tc-99m (V) DMSA has no possible role in the detection and diagnosis of ischemic colitis (Stathaki et al 2008).…”

“…In-111 or Tc-99m labeled leukocyte scintigraphy has been studied and demonstrated successful imaging of bowel infarction, yet the localization mechanism still remains unclear. It is suggested that the presence of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in the inflammatory response to tissue ischemia, as a result of reperfusion injury may play the primary role (Stathaki et al 2008). Tc99m (V) DMSA is a low-molecular weight complex that has been used successfully in the scintigraphic diagnosis of inflammation .…”

Ischemic Colitis

“…23 Tc-99m nuclear medicine studies have been evaluated in a small number of patients and were not considered useful. 24…”

Ischemic colitis: Clinical practice in diagnosis and treatment

“…In-111 or Tc-99m-labeled leukocyte scintigraphy has been studied and has demonstrated successful imaging of bowel infarction while Tc-99m(V) DMSA was recently found to have no role in the detection and diagnosis of IC [43][44][45] .…”