Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

P Lind

Publications and source records attributed to P Lind.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources

Clinical observations, pathology, bioassay in mice and serological response at slaughter in pigs experimentally infected with Toxoplasma gondii.

Experimental infections of a total of 47 pigs with tachyzoites of the Toxoplasma gondii RH-strain, tissue cysts of the SSI-119 and R92 strains as well as oocysts of the SSI-119 strain were performed to determine the sensitivity of an indirect IgG-ELISA, using tachyzoite lysate of the RH-strain as antigen. The infections led to a dose dependent moderate clinical affection (inappetence, fever and poor general condition). Pigs infected with 10000 oocysts or with 1/2 mouse brain containing tissue cysts of the SSI-119 strain showed a significant decrease in weight gain compared to uninoculated pigs during the first 2 weeks p.i., followed, however, by compensatory growth during the next 6 weeks. At slaughter 3 to 4 months after inoculation 39/41 (95.1%) of pigs positive by bioassay in mice were seropositive in ELISA. Tissue cysts were not demonstrable by immunohistochemistry. ELISA OD-values obtained by analysis of meat juice from heart muscle and tongue (diluted 1:40) correlated strongly with OD-values by analysis of serum (diluted 1:400) (r heart juice = 0.942; r tongue juice = 0.915). Thus, meat juice samples were shown to provide a suitable alternative to serum for serological detection of Toxoplasma infection in pigs.

Abattoirs↗

Albumin adducts in plasma from workers exposed to toluene diisocyanate.

Desalted plasma from a 2,4- and 2,6-toluene diisocyanate (2,4- and 2,6-TDI) exposed worker at a factory producing flexible polyurethane foam was separated and fractionated into 200 fractions using ion-exchange chromatography followed by a gel-filtration separation and fractionation into 59 fractions. The corresponding amines (to the isocyanates), 2,4- and 2,6-toluenediamine (2,4- and 2,6-TDA), were determined in each fraction after sulfuric acid hydrolysis as pentafluoropropionic anhydride derivatives by capillary gas chromatography and chemical ionisation mass spectrometry monitoring negative ions. The ion exchange fractions containing TDA (81-115) were added together and the solution was separated and fractionated on the gel-filtration column. The fractions 81-115 contained 84 and 72% of 2,4- and 2,6-TDA, respectively, as compared to the unfractionated plasma. The gel filtration fractions 22-27 contained 107 and 119% of 2,4- and 2,6-TDA, respectively, as compared to the amounts in the ion exchange fractions (81-115). Agarose gel-electrophoresis and electroimmunoassay demonstrated that albumin, 2,4- and 2,6-TDA co-eluted in both ion-exchange and gel-filtration chromatography. Quantitative determination of albumin, 2,4- and 2,6-TDA also demonstrated that these components co-eluted using albumin-immunosorption chromatography. In addition, studies of affinity isolated IgG revealed that this fraction was devoid of 2,4- and 2,6-TDA. These results indicate that albumin is the major receptor molecule for 2,4- and 2,6-TDI in blood plasma and that these isocyanates form covalent bondings with albumin.

Albumins↗

Biomarkers in hydrolysed urine, plasma and erythrocytes among workers exposed to thermal degradation products from toluene diisocyanate foam.

Blood and urine samples were collected from six workers and two volunteers exposed to thermal degradation products from toluene diisocyanate (TDI)-based polyurethane (PUR) before and during the summer vacation. Air samples were collected on filters impregnated with 9-(N-methylaminomethyl)anthracene. The concentrations of the amines corresponding to 2,4- and 2,6-TDI, i.e., 2,4- and 2,6-toluenediamine (TDA), were determined in urine (U-TDA), plasma (P-TDA) and erythrocytes (E-TDA) after acid hydrolysis as pentafluoropropionic anhydride derivatives by GC-MS. Among the workers urinary elimination phases were seen. The estimated medians of the urinary half-lives were for the slow phase 18 d for 2,4-TDA and 19 d for 2,6-TDA. P-2,4-TDA ranged between 2.5 and 19 ng ml-1 and P-2,6-TDA between 4.4 and 30 ng ml-1. The estimated median of the half-lives in plasma were 7.8 d for 2,4-TDA and 9.6 d for 2,6-TDA. E-2,4-TDA ranged between 0.5 and 6.6 ng g-1 and E-2,6-TDA between 1.2 and 14 ng g-1. A significant linear relationship was found between the mean P-TDA and the mean E-TDA. Linear relationships were observed between the mean daily U-TDA and P-TDA and E-TDA. Virtually linear relationships were obtained for P-TDA and E-TDA and the TDI air levels. Proteins from lysed erythrocytes were separated and fractionated by gel filtration. 'TDI'-modified proteins were found in six out of a total of 80 fractions (fractions 51-56). These co-eluted completely with the haemoglobin (UV, 415 nm). Fractions 51-56 contained 89% of the applied amounts of 2,4-TDA and 81% of 2,6-TDA.

Biomarkers↗

Workers exposed to thermal degradation products of TDI- and MDI-based polyurethane: biomonitoring of 2,4-TDA, 2,6-TDA, and 4,4'-MDA in hydrolyzed urine and plasma.

The aim of the study was to investigate biomarkers of exposure to thermal degradation products of 2,4- and 2,6-toluene diisocyanate (TDI)- and 4,4'-methylenediphenyl diisocyanate (MDI)-based polyurethane and the toxicokinetics of these products. Blood and urine were collected from 15 factory workers exposed to thermal degradation products of MDI-based polyurethane glue and TDI-based flexible foam. Four of these workers were also studied during an exposure-free period. Urine and plasma were analyzed after acidic hydrolysis and the concentrations of the isocyanates' corresponding amines, 2,4-, 2,6-toluenediamine (TDA), and 4,4'-methylenedianiline (MDA), were determined as derivatives of pentafluoropropionic anhydride by gas chromatography using chemical ionization mass spectrometry monitoring negative ions. Urinary elimination rates were in the range of < 0.01-5.7 micrograms of 2,4-TDA per hour, < 0.01-3.5 micrograms of 2,6-TDA per hour, and < 0.01-1.6 micrograms of 4,4'-MDA per hour. Plasma levels were in the range of < 0.1-5.5 ng of 2,4-TDA per mL, < 0.1-2.3 ng of 2,6-TDA per mL, and < 0.1-45 ng of 4,4'-MDA per mL. The urinary half-lives of 4,4'-MDA for four of the workers were found to be 59, 61, 73, and 82 hours. The half-lives of 4,4'-MDA in plasma were 10, 14, 16, and 22 days. Elimination rate peaks of 2,4-TDA, 2,6-TDA, and 4,4'-MDA in urine varied during and between workdays. The individual variation in plasma concentrations of 2,4-TDA, 2,6-TDA, and 4,4'-MDA with time was small, but between individuals the variation was great.

Air Pollutants↗

Schwannoma of the neck simulating a thyroid nodule.

A 31-year-old man is reported with the rare occurrence of a neurogenic tumor simulating a thyroid nodule. A growing nodule of the right neck was the only clinical symptom. Ultrasonography revealed a hypoechogenic nodule on the right side of the thyroid gland. Technetium (Tc)-99m pertechnetate showed a normal thyroid scintiscan. Due to ultrasonography-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy, a schwannoma (neurilemmoma) was suspected. Surgical intervention removed the nodule and histology confirmed a schwannoma with Antoni A structures. To avoid unnecessary or inappropriate surgical intervention in cases of hypoechogenic nodules in connection with the thyroid gland, other nonthyroidal structures that may cause hypoechogenic patterns with ultrasonography should also be considered. The key preoperative investigations in such cases are ultrasonography and sonographically guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy.

Adult↗

Radioimmunoscintigraphy with Tc-99m labeled monoclonal antibody 170H.82 in suspected primary, recurrent, or metastatic breast cancer.

Radioimmunoscintigraphy (RIS) with Tc-99m labeled 170H.82, an intact murine monoclonal antibody (MAb) was performed in 27 patients with suspected primary, recurrent, or metastatic breast cancer. For radioimmunoimaging the authors used a double-headed, high-resolution gamma camera. The lesions detected by RIS were evaluated by histopathology, and for metastatic disease by CT, MRI, and bone scan. If the evaluation was made lesion by lesion, RIS with Tc-99m MAb 170H.82 showed 23 true-positive results, 3 false-negative results, 9 true-negative results, 3 false-positive results for primary and recurrent disease; sensitivity was 88% and specificity was 75%. In patients with distant metastases, detection rate was 67% (12 true-positive results and 6 false-negative results). All patients had normal baseline values for human anti-mouse antibodies (HAMA) and 6 weeks after RIS with 2 mg MAb, only 2 of 23 patients had developed a HAMA response (9%). No adverse effects were observed. The authors' clinical experience shows that RIS with MAb 170H.82 is a valuable additional method for detecting breast cancer, especially in patients with uncertain primaries or scar tissue after breast conserving treatment in which differential diagnosis is very difficult.

Bone Neoplasms↗

Gamma probe-guided resection of a lymph node metastasis with I-123 in papillary thyroid carcinoma.

The authors report the case of a 27-year-old woman with gamma probe-guided resection of a recurrent regional lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid cancer. Reoperation is often impaired in cases with extensive scarring because of previous surgery, high-dose radioiodine therapy, and external irradiation. In this case with nodal metastasis, the high I-123 uptake allowed more rapid intraoperative detection and influenced the surgical approach. Evidence of complete removal of tumor tissue could be given intraoperatively by measuring the tumor bed, and this was confirmed by postoperative normalization of Tg levels and a negative I-131 scan. In other locations, and especially for small solitary lesions, gamma probe-guided surgery may be a promising alternative to high dose I-131 therapy.

Adult↗

Technetium 99m tetrofosmin parathyroid imaging. Results with double-phase study and SPECT in primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value (PPV) of technetium 99m (99mTc) tetrofosmin double-phase scintigraphy and single-photon emission computer tomography (SPECT) in preoperative localization of parathyroid adenoma in case of primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism (HPT). METHODS: Sixty-eight consecutive patients biochemically or sonographically suspected of parathyroid adenoma were included in our study. Apart from biochemical analysis of serum calcium, phosphate, and intact parathyroid hormone, double-phase scintigraphy was performed in each patient 5 and 45 minutes after injection of 370 MBq 99mTc tetrofosmin, followed by SPECT imaging. In consciousness of the scintigraphic results, ultrasound of the neck was performed as well to exclude false-positive results due to thyroid adenomas. RESULTS: Depending on the results of the biochemical analysis in combination with the results of the scintigraphic and ultrasound examination, the patients were classified retrospectively into three groups: group A with primary HPT (n = 35), group B with secondary HPT (n = 13), and group C without any biochemical suspicion of primary or secondary HPT (n = 20). In group A, double-phase study localized 25 of 36 (69.2%) parathyroid adenomas (one double adenoma) as against 34 of 36 (94.4%) with SPECT. Nine adenomas could be visualized only by SPECT. The reason for nonvisualization on planar scans was suspected to be an ectopic location in 2 cases (retrotracheal dislocation, retrovascular dislocation), a maximal diameter less than 15 mm (9-13 mm) in 6 cases, and oxyphilic-cell-poor cellularity in 1 case. Four false-positive retention (3 thyroid adenomas and 1 papillary thyroid carcinoma) were observed. SPECT showed a sensitivity of 94.4%, a specificity of 85%, and a PPV of 91.9% in biochemically suspected primary HPT. In group B, planar scintigraphy demonstrated 12 hyperplastic glands in 5 of 13 patients, and SPECT demonstrated 20 hyperplastic parathyroid glands in 8 out of 13 patients, which corresponds to a sensitivity of 38% and 61.5%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Technetium 99m tetrofosmin seems to be a promising alternative tracer with similar capabilities to 99mTc sestamibi in localization of parathyroid adenoma. SPECT showed clear advantages in terms of sensitivity over planar scintigraphy and should be used at least in cases with poor or no uptake in double-phase study. In endemic goiter areas, ultrasound of the neck should be performed to exclude false positive retention in thyroid adenomas. Technetium 99m tetrofosmin, like 99mTc sestamibi, is not ideal for localization of hyperplastic glands in secondary hyperparathyroidism because of low sensitivity.

Adenoma↗

Expression of functional leptin receptors in the human ovary.

The size of body fat stores is known to influence fertility, indicating a link between adipose tissue and the reproductive system. Studies in mice have identified the adipocyte-derived hormone, leptin (Ob protein), as a possible mediator of this effect. The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility that leptin may have direct effects on the human ovary. To probe this hypothesis we first analyzed the expression of leptin receptors in the human ovary. Transcripts encoding both the long and short isoforms of the leptin receptor were present in human granulosa cells and thecal cells; however, the short isoforms were expressed at much higher levels. Immunoreactive leptin was present in follicular fluid at levels similar to those found in serum. ob gene expression, however, was undetectable in the ovary, as determined by reverse transcription-PCR, whereas it was easily detected in adipose tissue. To determine whether leptin could induce a biological response in ovarian cells, we examined the effect of leptin on estradiol production in cultured granulosa cells. Leptin (100 ng/mL) inhibited LH (0.1 ng/mL)-stimulated estradiol production. In contrast, leptin had no effect on estradiol production in the absence of LH. In conclusion, this study has demonstrated that the leptin receptor is expressed in the human ovary, that leptin is present in follicular fluid, and that leptin can induce a biological response in ovarian cells. These results suggest that leptin may have a direct effect on the human ovary.

Adult↗

Technetium-99m-MIBI scintigraphy of thyroid nodules in an endemic goiter area.

UNLABELLED: Technetium-99m-methoxyisobutylisonitrile (MIBI) was introduced for myocardial imaging as an alternative to 201TI. According to biodistribution studies, MIBI also accumulates in the thyroid gland. The aim of this study was to find out which thyroid nodules retain MIBI and whether preoperative evaluation of malignancy is possible. METHODS: Single injection, dual-phase (30 min and 2 hr) thyroid scintigraphy with 99mTc-MIBI was performed on 62 patients who showed a cold nodule on previously performed 99mTc scintigraphy. MIBI scans were considered positive if there was a clear tracer retention in the late 120-min image compared to the early 30-min image. Sonographic examination and fine-needle aspiration biopsy, guided by ultrasonography, was also done on each patient. In the following days and weeks, all patients underwent surgery. RESULTS: Histopathological diagnoses revealed a total of 12 thyroid carcinomas, five were MIBI positive and seven MIBI negative. Out of 27 patients with thyroid adenomas (nine microfollicular, ten follicular, eight oxyphilic), 18 were MIBI positive and nine MIBI negative. There was no MIBI retention on the scans of 22 patients with degenerative changes in the goiter and the one with Hashimoto's disease. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that MIBI accumulation and retention is not specific for thyroid malignancy. Indeed, all evidence points to the fact that a positive MIBI scan is more likely to indicate thyroid adenoma than a malignant tumor.

Adult↗

Preoperative scintigraphic and intraoperative scintimetric localization of parathyroid adenoma with cationic Tc-99m complexes and a hand-held gamma-probe.

AIM: The aim of our study was to evaluate the possibility of intraoperative scintimetric detection of parathyroid adenomas with Tc-99m labelled tracers for its usefulness in dystropic or ectopic adenomas. METHODS: 12 women with biochemically confirmed hyperparathyroidism were included in our study. After injection of 370 MBq Tc-99m tetrofosmin e.g. sestamibi, preoperative scintigraphy (double phase study and SPECT) was performed and T/NT ratios were evaluated for early, delayed and SPECT images. Surgery was performed using a hand-held gamma-probe after preoperative injection of 555-925 MBq Tc-99m tetrofosmin e.g. sestamibi. Count rates (cts/10 sec) were measured and used for calculating in situ- and ex situ-T/NT ratios. RESULTS: In 9 out of 12 patients, adenoma could be detected on static images. Mean T/NT ratios for Tc-99m tetrofosmin were 1.29 for early and 1.23 for delayed images, respectively 1.39 and 1.23 for early and delayed Tc-99m sestamibi scan. Three cases could only be detected with SPECT reconstruction, 11 of 12 parathyroid adenomas could be confirmed intra-operatively. CONCLUSION: SPECT with Tc-99m labelled cationic complexes showed advantages in detection, precise localization and contrast over static scintigraphy and should therefore be performed at least in cases with poor or no uptake on static images to avoid failures in detection of deeply sited, dislocated glands or adenomas with low uptake. Intraoperative localization and confirmation of parathyroid adenoma with Tc-99m labelled cationic complexes and a gamma probe is possible an 1 may be useful in case of dys- or ectopic adenoma by influencing surgical approach and operating time.

Adenoma↗

Technetium-99m-tetrofosmin whole-body scintigraphy in the follow-up of differentiated thyroid carcinoma.

UNLABELLED: The purpose of this study was to evaluate prospectively the reliability of the new nonspecific tumor-searching tracer tetrofosmin in the postoperative follow-up of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) during TSH suppressive thyroid hormone treatment. METHODS: Whole-body scintigraphy was performed in 114 patients under TSH suppressive L-T4 treatment 20 min after intravenous injection of 370 MBq 99mTc-tetrofosmin by means of a dual-head gamma camera followed by three-dimensional SPECT in case of suspicious tracer uptake. The results of serum thyroglobulin, ultrasonography of the neck, 131I whole-body scintigraphy, chest radiograph, transmission CT or MRI, and bone scintigraphy were also available. RESULTS: A group of 68 patients without thyroid remnants who were tumor free and had no history of metastases or tumor recurrence showed a negative 99mTc-tetrofosmin whole-body scan. Another 24 patients (papillary carcinoma pT1NOMO) were also in complete remission, but had sonographically proven remnants (echonormal). Sixteen of them (67%) exhibited 99mTc-tetrofosmin accumulation in the thyroid bed, which corresponded excellently to the localization of the remnant. The third group comprises seven cases of local recurrence confirmed by histopathology after reoperation or by cytology after fine-needle aspiration where tetrofosmin scintigraphy clearly revealed relapse of malignancy in all cases. A total of 17 patients had distant metastases (11 pulmonary, 3 bone, 2 bone and pulmonary, 1 bone and soft tissue) discovered by different modalities, resulting in 44 lesions to be evaluated. Of the 23 radioiodine negative metastases, 17 were detected by tetrofosmin (74%), whereas all 21 radioiodine accumulating lesions also showed tetrofosmin positive scans. The overall sensitivity of 99mTc-tetrofosmin in detecting distant metastatic lesions was 86%. Four additional cases with radioiodine-negative disseminated lung metastases showed diffuse pulmonary tetrofosmin uptake. CONCLUSION: Technetium-99m-tetrofosmin is a promising tracer to detect malignant recurrence and distant metastases in the follow-up of DTC without the necessity of thyroid hormone withdrawal.

Adenocarcinoma, Follicular↗

Detection of antibodies to Salmonella lipopolysaccharide in muscle fluid from cattle.

OBJECTIVE: To compare muscle fluid with serum samples for detection of antibodies to Salmonella lipopolysaccharide. SAMPLE POPULATION: Muscle fluid and serum samples from 2 cattle populations: 1 from the island of Bornholm with no history of salmonellosis (n = 39), and the other from the S dublin-enzootic areas of Jutland (n = 144). PROCEDURE: Salmonella dublin (O:1,9,12), S typhimurium (O:1,4,5,12), and Salmonella O:9-blocking ELISA were used for testing the samples. RESULTS: In the S dublin ELISA, all serum and muscle fluid samples from cattle on the island of Bornholm had OD450 values well below the cutoff value (0.5). For samples obtained from cattle in the enzootic areas of Jutland, high correlation was found between serum and muscle fluid samples (rs = 0.89, P < 0.001). In addition, 19% (28/144) of the cattle had ELISA-positive muscle fluid and serum samples; 2% (3/144) had positive results for muscle fluid only, whereas 1 animal had positive results for serum only (kappa = 0.91, P < 0.0001; sensitivity and specificity of 97%). The same samples had similar significant correlation in the S typhimurium ELISA (rs = 0.88, P < 0.001, kappa = 0.7, P < 0.001; sensitivity of 73% and specificity of 98%) and the O:9-blocking ELISA (rs = 0.49, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Muscle fluid samples taken at slaughter can be used as a practical alternative to serum samples for surveillance of Salmonella infections in cattle.

Animals↗

Scintimammography using Tc-99m tetrofosmin.

Breast cancer, the most common malignancy in women, still poses a challenge to diagnostic procedures and therapy. Despite low specificity routine mammography is the method of choice to screen women for breast cancer. In the last years other additional diagnostic procedures such as high frequency ultrasonography (US) and especially magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have improved breast cancer diagnosis. However, all these imaging methods are lacking in specificity which makes biopsy or surgery necessary. The purpose of our study was to evaluate prospectively the sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of scintimammography with a new cationic complex Tc-99m tetrofosmin in patients with suspicious mammographic lesions. One hundred and thirty seven patients in whom mammography and/or high resolution ultrasonography (10 MHz) revealed suspicious breast lesions were studied with Tc-99m tetrofosmin scintimammography. In 84 of them biopsy and/or surgery was performed for histological evaluation. After intravenous injection of 555 MBq Tc-99m tetrofosmin planar images in anterior and lateral projections (5 min.p.i.) and SPECT imaging including 3-D-reconstruction (20 min.p.i.) were performed. Scintimammography was evaluated as negative, equivocal (+), probably (+2) or definitely (+3) positive. Planar scintimammography with Tc-99m tetrofosmin was negative in 46 patients (43 true negative-f.n; 3 false negative-f.n.) and positive in 38 patients (27 true positive-t.p.; 11 false positive-t.p.). Using SPECT imaging Tc-99m scintimammography was negative in 43 cases (41 t.n.; 2f.n.) and positive in 41 cases (28 t.p.; 13 t.p). Sensitivity of Tc-99m tetrofosmin scintimammography in this prospective study was 90%, specificity 80%, PPV 71% and NPV 93% for planar imaging and 93%, 76%, 68% and 95% for SPECT, respectively. Scintimammographic results in patients with suspicious breast lesion show, that Tc-99m tetrofosmin accumulates in breast cancer as well as in some fibroadenoma with high cellularity. However, the high NPV of 93 and 95% respectively excludes breast cancer in suspicious mammographic lesions to a very high degree and therefore reduces the need of biopsy and/or surgery in most of these patients.

Adenocarcinoma↗

[Use of a gamma probe for intraoperative localization of parathyroid adenomas with Tc-99m-tetrofosmin and Tc-99m-sestamibi].

Especially ectopic adenomas may be problematic in intraoperative localization despite preoperative imaging resulting in a longer operating time and more extensive surgical preparation. The aim of our study was to evaluate the possibility of intraoperative scintimetric detection of parathyroid adenomas with cationic, Tc-99m labelled tracers for its usefulness in ectopic adenomas. 12 women with biochemically confirmed hyperparathyroidism were included in our study. After injection of 370 MBq Tc-99m Tetrofosmin respectively Sestamibi, preoperative scintigraphy (double phase study and SPECT) was performed and T/NT ratios were evaluated for early, delayed and SPECT images. Surgery was performed using a hand-held gamma probe after preoperative injection of 555-925 MBq Tc-99m Tetrofosmin or Sestamibi. Count rates (cts/10 sec) were measured and used for calculating in situ- and ex situ-T/NT ratios. In 9 out of 12 patients, adenoma could be detected on static images. Three cases could only be detected with SPECT. 11 of 12 parathyroid adenomas could be confirmed intraoperatively. Intraoperative localization of parathyroid adenoma with Tc-99m-labelled cationic complexes and a gamma probe is possible and may be useful in case of ectopic adenoma by influencing surgical approach and operating time.

Adenoma↗

Technetium-99m-tetrofosmin uptake in sarcoidosis stage I.

The uptake of 99mTc-tetrofosmin in enlarged lymph nodes, of the lung hilus, in the case of sarcoidosis Stage I (histopathologically confirmed by mediastinoscopic biopsy) is demonstrated. On a routine chest radiograph of a 78-yr-old woman, hilar lymphadenopathy was first detected. In the following mammography, disseminated micro calcifications were found in the left breast and a 99mTc-tetrofosmin study was performed for detection of breast cancer. Scintigraphy using 99mTc-tetrofosmin showed clear uptake in the hilar lymph nodes, but not in the left breast. The 99mTc-tetrofosmin uptake in the hilar lymph nodes was due to sarcoidosis confirmed by histology. Therefore, 99mTc-tetrofosmin scintigraphy may be useful in patients with suspected sarcoidosis, especially in Stage I.

Aged↗

[Diagnosis of achalasia using 99m-Tc pertechnetate scintigraphy].

A 73-year-old patient presented a 99mTc scintiscan with a focal tracer accumulation left and caudal of the thyroid gland. Further investigations with sonography, CT, esophagoscopy and barium swallow provided the diagnosis of achalasia as the reason for focal 99mTc retention caudal of the thyroid gland. Explanation for 99mTc accumulation within the esophagus may be the nonspecific accumulation of 99mTc not only in the thyroid gland but also in the salivary glands. Excretion of the tracer follows with the saliva. Structural and motor disorders of the esophagus can thus lead to focal tracer retention within the esophagus simulating thyroid tissue.

Aged↗