Open AccessApplicability of 99m Tc‐Labeled Human Serum Albumin Scintigraphy in Dogs With Protein‐Losing Enteropathy
Author(s) -
Engelmann N.,
Ondreka N.,
Pückler K.,
Mohrs S.,
Sicken J.,
Neiger R.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
journal of veterinary internal medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.356
H-Index - 103
eISSN - 1939-1676
pISSN - 0891-6640
DOI - 10.1111/jvim.14673
Subject(s) - protein losing enteropathy , medicine , scintigraphy , hypoalbuminemia , gastrointestinal tract , enteropathy , nuclear medicine , serum albumin , albumin , human serum albumin , gastroenterology , technetium , digestive tract , pathology , chemistry , chromatography , disease
Background Diagnosis of protein loss into the gastrointestinal tract using noninvasive techniques is challenging. In people, scintigraphy not only is a sensitive tool to confirm protein‐losing enteropathy ( PLE ), but it also allows for localization of protein loss. Hypothesis/Objectives To investigate the feasibility of 99m Tc‐labeled human serum albumin ( HSA ) scintigraphy in dogs with PLE in comparison with control dogs. Animals A total of 8 clinically healthy control research dogs and 7 client‐owned dogs with gastrointestinal clinical signs and hypoalbuminemia (serum albumin concentration <2.0 g/dL). Methods Prospective case–control study. After IV injection of 400 MBq freshly prepared 99m Tc HSA (30 mg/dog), images of the abdomen were obtained 10, 60, 120, and 240 minutes postinjection. Additional images of the salivary and thyroid glands were obtained to rule out free 99m Tc. A scan was considered positive for PLE when radiopharmaceutical exudation was detectable in the intestinal tract. Results Only 1 control dog showed exudation of the radiopharmaceutical into the intestinal tract. No free 99m Tc was detected in any dog. In dogs with PLE , focal small intestinal and diffuse small intestinal radiopharmaceutical exudation into the bowel was detected in 2 and 3 dogs, respectively, whereas in 2 dogs, there was disagreement about whether radiopharmaceutical exudation was focal or diffuse. Conclusion and Clinical Importance 99m Tc‐labeled HSA scintigraphy was feasible to diagnose PLE in dogs.