Diagnosis and Localization of Bronchopulmonary Air Leaks Using Ventilation Scintigraphy

• Published in: Chest Vol. 111; no. 2; pp. 286 - 289
• Main Authors: Mark, James B.D., McDougall, I. Ross
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Northbrook, IL Elsevier Inc 01.02.1997; American College of Chest Physicians
• Subjects: Aerosols; Biological and medical sciences; Bronchial Fistula - diagnostic imaging; bronchopulmonary air leaks; Chest tubes; diagnosis; Emphysema; Fistula; Fistula - diagnostic imaging; Humans; Iatrogenesis; Intervention; Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects); Localization; Lungs; Medical sciences; Ostomy; Patients; Pleural Diseases - diagnostic imaging; Pneumothorax; Radionuclide Imaging; Radionuclide investigations; Respiratory system; Retrospective Studies; Scintigraphy; Sensitivity and Specificity; Technetium Tc 99m Pentetate; ventilation scintigraphy; ventilation scintigraphy; bronchopulmonary air leaks; diagnosis; Radionuclide study; Human; Lung disease; Respiratory disease; Lung; Medical imagery; Bronchus disease; Exploration; Ventilation; Diagnosis; Scintigraphy
• ISSN: 0012-3692; 1931-3543
• DOI: 10.1378/chest.111.2.286

To determine the usefulness of radioaerosol ventilation scans for the detection and localization of air leaks from the lungs or bronchial tree. Selected patients with suspected air leaks underwent ventilation scans. Retrospective analysis of data was carried out. Twenty-eight hospitalized patients were included in the study. Ventilation scintigraphy using 99mTc-DTPA (technetium aerosol) was carried out in patients with air leaks. Of the total group, there were 50% true-positive scans, 36% true-negative scans, and 14% false-negative scans giving a sensitivity of 78%, specificity of 100%, and accuracy of 86%. 99mTc-DTPA ventilation scintigraphy is useful in some patients with air leaks from the lung or tracheobronchial tree and may help to guide surgical intervention should this become necessary.