Pitfalls in the performance and interpretation of scintigraphic imaging for pleuroperitoneal shunt

Matthew F. Covington, Gagandeep Choudhary, Ryan J. Avery, Phillip H Kuo

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

Ascites can cause pleural effusions when the peritoneal fluid crosses the diaphragm through a pleuroperitoneal shunt in the setting of hepatic cirrhosis (hepatic hydrothorax) or malignant ascites. Scintigraphic imaging for pleuroperitoneal shunt requires intraperitoneal injection of 99mTc-SC or 99mTc-macroaggregated albumin followed by planar imaging of the chest and abdomen. Pleuroperitoneal shunt is confirmed by identifying radiotracer crossing the diaphragm from the peritoneal to pleural space. An atlas of pleuroperitoneal shunt imaging pitfalls is presented to facilitate optimal performance and interpretation of nuclear pleuroperitoneal shunt examinations. Examples include cases of nondiagnostic radiotracer injections, processing errors, and nontarget uptake.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)858-861
Number of pages4
JournalClinical nuclear medicine
Volume41
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2 2016

Keywords

  • Hepatic hydrothorax
  • Pleuroperitoneal shunt
  • Scintigraphic imaging

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging

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