The value of scintiangiography in arterial disease
C. M. Moss, A. Z. Rudavsky and F. J. Veith
Arterial visualization using the gamma camera was achieved by peripheral
intravenous injection of technetium pertechnetate Tc 99m 253 times in 200
patients. This technique, which successfully images the arterial tree to
the level of the wrist and ankle, was validated by blind comparison of the
scintiangiograms with contrast arteriograms or surgical findings or both in
93 studies. Although scintiangiography has less resolution than contrast
arteriography, it provides quantitative and other important supplementary
information in the diagnosis and management of patients with arterial
disease. Scintiangiography has accurately diagnosed arterial occlusions
(atherosclerotic, traumatic, and embolic), true and false aneurysms, and
arterial stenoses. Patients sustaining trauma to the extremities may be
evaluated by scintiangiography as a screening technique. Postoperatively,
scintiangiography has replaced contrast arteriography for assessing patency
of grafts and completeness of thromboembolectomy and for the long-term
follow-up of these patients.
