Detecting protein losing enteropathy by Tc-99m dextran scintigraphy: a novel experience.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate protien using enteropathy by Tc-99m dextran scintigraphy.


METHODS
Methods for detecting protein loss from the intestine revolve around fecal nitrogen excretion, the clearance of alpha-1 antitrypsin in stools and by endoscopic biopsy.


RESULTS
The diagnosis of protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) can also be established by a scintigraphic method that is noninvasive, simple and requires no patient preparation or motivation. This diagnostic modality can also delineate the site of protein loss, thereby offering a targeted approach, and if need be, surgery. Radiolabelling of a non-protein, noncolloidal, nonparticulate and biofriendly molecule like dextran with Technetium-99m for imaging enteric protein loss was utilized in imaging eight children with PLE.


CONCLUSIONS
The results were encouraging. The authors advocate the use of this diagnostic tool in identifying patients with PLE, particularly in the pediatric age group.
Kapoor
Seema
S
Department of Pediatrics, MAMC and allied LN Hospital, New Delhi. seemam@vsnl.com
Ratan
Simmi K
SK
Kashyap
Ravi
R
Mittal
S K
SK
Rajeshwari
K
K
Rawat
H
H
Verma
Jyoti
J
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003911:Dextrans; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D008297:Male; D015609:Organotechnetium Compounds; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011504:Protein-Losing Enteropathies / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
D003911:Dextrans; D015609:Organotechnetium Compounds; C034146:technetium Tc 99m dextran