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Localization of Bronchopleural Fistula Using Ventilation Scintigraphy

Departments of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine and Thoracic Surgery, Stanford University Hospital, Stanford, California

Correspondence: For correspondence contact: I. Ross McDougall, MB, ChB, PhD, Division of Nuclear Medicine, Stanford University Hospital, Stanford, CA 94305.

ABSTRACT

It can be difficult to localize or even lateralize the site of persistent bronchopleural fistula in patients who have undergone thoracotomy. If the site of persistent air leak can be identified noninvasively, it may be possible to repair the leak with thoracoscopic techniques and thereby avoid repeat thoracotomy. This article reports experience using ^99mTc-DTPA ventilation scintigraphy to localize persistent bronchopleural fistula was in six patients. The site of bronchopleural fistula was identified in four patients. In the other two patients, no leak was identified, and the clinical course confirmed that a significant bronchopleural fistula did not exist.

Key Words: ventilation scintigraphy • bronchopleural fistulas • pneumothorax

FOOTNOTES

^* Current Address: Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Childrens Hospital, Oakland, CA.

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