Recognition of distinctive patterns of gallium-67 distribution in sarcoidosis.
Assessment of gallium-67 (67Ga) uptake in the salivary and lacrimal glands and intrathoracic lymph nodes was made in 605 consecutive patients including 65 with sarcoidosis. A distinctive intrathoracic lymph node 67Ga uptake pattern, resembling the Greek letter lambda, was observed only in sarcoidosis (72%). Symmetrical lacrimal gland and parotid gland 67Ga uptake (panda appearance) was noted in 79% of sarcoidosis patients. A simultaneous lambda and panda pattern (62%) or a panda appearance with radiographic bilateral, symmetrical, hilar lymphadenopathy (6%) was present only in sarcoidosis patients. The presence of either of these patterns was particularly prevalent in roentgen Stages I (80%) or II (74%). We conclude that simultaneous (a) lambda and panda images, or (b) a panda image with bilateral symmetrical hilar lymphadenopathy on chest X-ray represent distinctive patterns which are highly specific for sarcoidosis, and may obviate the need for invasive diagnostic procedures.
Sulavik
S B
SB
Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington 06032.
Spencer
R P
RP
Weed
D A
DA
Shapiro
H R
HR
Shiue
S T
ST
Castriotta
R J
RJ
D005710:Gallium Radioisotopes / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D006801:Humans; D007765:Lacrimal Apparatus / Q000378:metabolism; D008168:Lung; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000378:metabolism; D008482:Mediastinum; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D012469:Salivary Glands / Q000378:metabolism; D012507:Sarcoidosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000378:metabolism
D005710:Gallium Radioisotopes