Liver and vertebral uptake of Tc-99m macroaggregated albumin (MAA).
An unusual phenomenon during lung scintigraphy is presented. Besides visualization of the lungs, accumulation of Tc-99m macroaggregated albumin (MAA) was seen in a small part of the liver and in and around several thoracic vertebrae. Contrast-enhanced radiographic computed tomography revealed extensive collateral pathways, which were caused by a partially obstructed superior vena cava. Shunting of systemic venous blood flow through chest wall veins to the portal system was responsible for accumulation of MAA in the liver. Retrograde blood flow through dilated thoracic vertebral veins resulted in visualization of the bone marrow.
Esser
Jan-Paul
JP
Erasmus MC, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands. j.esser@erasmusmc.nl
Oei
H Yoe
HY
de Bruin
Hein G
HG
Krenning
Eric P
EP
D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D033162:Incidental Findings; D008099:Liver / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000378:metabolism*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000378:metabolism; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D013479:Superior Vena Cava Syndrome / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000378:metabolism*; D013668:Technetium Tc 99m Aggregated Albumin / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000378:metabolism*
D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D013668:Technetium Tc 99m Aggregated Albumin