Value of gallium-67 scanning in monitoring therapeutic effectiveness in a patient with relapsing polychondritis.
We present a 57-year-old man who had low-grade fever and painful, swollen and erythematous ears. Gallium-67 citrate scintigraphy (gallium scan) performed prior to the commencement of treatment showed increased gallium uptake in bilateral external ears, neck, mediastinum and bilateral pulmonary hili. The results of ultrasonography of both ears were compatible with the diagnosis of chondritis. The patient's clinical condition and laboratory data improved after a course of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids. Gallium scan performed after treatment showed a diminished uptake in the external ears, neck, and mediastinum. Gallium scintigraphy is a valuable tool for evaluating inflammatory activity and monitoring therapeutic response in patients with relapsing polychondritis.
Chang
Ming-Che
MC
Department of Nuclear Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.
Tsai
Shih-Chuan
SC
Lin
Wan-Yu
WY
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002356:Cartilage / Q000473:pathology; D004431:Ear, External; D005710:Gallium Radioisotopes; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation; D008297:Male; D008495:Medical Oncology / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D011081:Polychondritis, Relapsing / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging / Q000379:methods; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D013256:Steroids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D005710:Gallium Radioisotopes; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D013256:Steroids