title: Dissociation of Tc-99m DTPA in a nebulizer.
abstract: An unexpected biodistribution of nebulized Tc-99m diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid was detected after the ventilation of a patient referred for diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. Radiochemical purity testing of the stock vial showed more than 95% labelling. Further investigation indicated that the problem was possibly associated with a cleaning agent used for the nebulizer, leading to the dissociation of the Tc-99m diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid. Manufacturer's instructions for cleaning of the nebulizer specify the use of 70% denatured ethanol solution, but a chlorine-based agent had been used inadvertently.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Physics, Royal Surrey County Hospital, Guildford, Surrey, UK. paul.hinton@nhs.net
authors.forename: Paul J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Hinton
authors.forename: Ralf P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Clauss
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D012123:Pulmonary Ventilation; D016284:Technetium Tc 99m Pentetate / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D016284:Technetium Tc 99m Pentetate