Detection of aspiration using 99Tcm-sulfur colloid salivary scintigraphy in patients with respiratory tract diseases / 中华核医学与分子影像杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To establish and assess the utility of 99Tcm-sulfur colloid (SC) salivary imaging in the routine evaluation of pulmonary aspiration in adult patients with respiratory tract diseases.Methods Eight patients (7 men,1 woman; age range 68 to 80 years,mean age (76 ± 4) years) with respiratory tract disease and history of aspiration by clinical assessment were evaluated prospectively by 99Tcm-SC salivary imaging from April to July 2012.A dose of 74.0 MBq 99Tcm-SC was added to 20 ml saline,mixed well,and administered orally to patients.Dynamic imaging was acquired with posterior projection for 30 min at a rate of 30 s per frame.Two experienced physicians assessed all examination results and reached consensus for final diagnosis.Radioactivity detected at either the bronchi or within the lung fields was reported as positive for aspiration.This study was approved by the institutional review board of Hospital Ethical Committee,and the written informed consent was obtained from patients or their guardians.Results All patients were positive for aspiration by 99Tcm-SC salivary imaging (8/8).Aspiration into bilateral main bronchus was seen in 2 cases,right main bronchus and branch in 4 cases,and left main bronchus and branch in 2 cases.Aspirated tracer could be visualized as early as 3 min,latest at 24 min,and the median was 19 min.Conclusion 99Tcm-SC salivary imaging is useful for the detection of aspiration in adult patients with respiratory tract diseases.