Scintiscan demonstration of localized bowel loop inflammation. Comparison of Tc-99m dextran, Tc-99m citrate, and Tc-99m human immunoglobulin G.

A 60-year-old man with localized small bowel inflammation underwent abdominal scintigraphy with Tc-99m human polyclonal immunoglobulin G and two experimental inflammation-seeking agents, Tc-99m dextran and Tc-99m citrate. The abnormal loop was visualized in all the three studies. Additionally, the Tc-99m dextran study revealed exudation and luminal transit of the tracer suggestive of regional protein-losing enteropathy. The authors conclude that Tc-99 dextran and Tc-99 citrate are clinically suitable inflammation-seeking agents that need further evaluation, especially for locating abdominal inflammations.