Radionuclide studies in intestinal transplantation. Diagnosis of rejection and assessment of permeability

Transplantation. 1996 Jan 15;61(1):155-7. doi: 10.1097/00007890-199601150-00030.

Abstract

Three patients who received intestinal allografts were studied using two distinct radionuclide investigations. In the first, 111In or 99mTc-labeled leukocyte scanning was performed to assist in the diagnosis of rejection. It was able to demonstrate the occurrence of rejection in the transplanted intestine, and the response to antirejection therapy. In 1 case, the abnormality on the scan preceded the histological confirmation of rejection. The second technique studied mucosal integrity by serial 51Cr-EDTA/14C-mannitol permeability tests. These studies demonstrated the initial marked impairment and the slow return to normal function of the intestinal mucosal barrier. In 1 patient, this occurred by 91 days; in another, it took 232 days. A single assay performed in the third patient at the time of allograft rejection was also abnormal. Both radionuclide tests were helpful in the care of these complicated cases.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Graft Rejection / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Indium Radioisotopes
  • Intestines / transplantation*
  • Leukocytes
  • Radionuclide Imaging
  • Technetium

Substances

  • Indium Radioisotopes
  • Technetium