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Utility assessment of 99mTc labelled human polyclonal immunoglobulin G scintigraphy for the diagnosis of limb lymphoedema
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Abstract
Material and methods. 17 patients suspected of lymphoedema have been examined (11 upper limbs, 6 lower limbs). Each patient received subcutaneous 99mTc-IgG complex in a volume 0.1 mL with activity 50 MBq. The site of injection was the second web space of the affected extremity and the contralateral normal limb. Dynamic data acquisition with the use of Nucline AP gamma camera has been started immediately post injection (p.i.) to both extremities. The patients made small movement of fingers during examination in order to speed up the tracer outflow. The static visualization of whole body has been performed after 1, 3 and 4 hours p.i.
Results. The radiotracer outflow from the site of injection has been noticed in all cases of dynamic phase of examination. Flow rate of the radiopharmaceutics was differentiated and did not to show any correlation with the reason of lymphoedema. Dermal backflow has been observed in four cases (23.5%) connected with the tracer retention in soft tissues during delayed visualization. Additionally, long-time retention of the tracer in lymphatic vessels has been observed. There was no case of any local or general undesirable symptoms.
Conclusions. Scintigraphy 99mTc-IgG is a useful method in limb lymphoedema diagnosis.
Abstract
Material and methods. 17 patients suspected of lymphoedema have been examined (11 upper limbs, 6 lower limbs). Each patient received subcutaneous 99mTc-IgG complex in a volume 0.1 mL with activity 50 MBq. The site of injection was the second web space of the affected extremity and the contralateral normal limb. Dynamic data acquisition with the use of Nucline AP gamma camera has been started immediately post injection (p.i.) to both extremities. The patients made small movement of fingers during examination in order to speed up the tracer outflow. The static visualization of whole body has been performed after 1, 3 and 4 hours p.i.
Results. The radiotracer outflow from the site of injection has been noticed in all cases of dynamic phase of examination. Flow rate of the radiopharmaceutics was differentiated and did not to show any correlation with the reason of lymphoedema. Dermal backflow has been observed in four cases (23.5%) connected with the tracer retention in soft tissues during delayed visualization. Additionally, long-time retention of the tracer in lymphatic vessels has been observed. There was no case of any local or general undesirable symptoms.
Conclusions. Scintigraphy 99mTc-IgG is a useful method in limb lymphoedema diagnosis.
Keywords
lymphoscintigraphy; lymphoedema; 99mTc; human polyclonal immunoglobulin G (IgG)
About this articleTitle
Utility assessment of 99mTc labelled human polyclonal immunoglobulin G scintigraphy for the diagnosis of limb lymphoedema
Journal
Issue
Article type
Research paper
Pages
25-30
Published online
2003-01-08
Page views
709
Article views/downloads
1316
Bibliographic record
Acta Angiologica 2003;9(1):25-30.
Keywords
lymphoscintigraphy
lymphoedema
99mTc
human polyclonal immunoglobulin G (IgG)
Authors
Artur Stępień
Jolanta Pawlus
Mirosław Dziekiewicz
Janusz Sroga
Tomasz Grądalski
Jan Kulka
Elżbieta Nowak