Diffuse abdominal uptake of Ga-67 citrate in a patient with hypoproteinemia.
A 3-wk-old male, with abdominal distention and severe hypoproteinemia from poor nutrition, underwent a study that showed a persistent diffuse abdominal uptake of Ga-67 citrate, indicating pyogenic or tuberculous peritonitis. However, there were no corresponding clinical or laboratory findings. After a 1-wk course of hyperalimentation with albumin, furosemide, and protein, repeat radiographs showed reduction in bowel gas. It is suggested that hypoproteinemia should be considered as a possibility in the differential diagnosis when there is diffuse abdominal uptake of Ga-67 citrate, with careful clinical correlation. Possible mechanism of Ga-67 uptake in the peritoneal cavity is suggested.
D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005710:Gallium Radioisotopes / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007019:Hypoproteinemia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D010529:Peritoneal Cavity / Q000378:metabolism; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging
D005710:Gallium Radioisotopes