inflammation: gallium imaging

leakage of protein-bound Ga-67 into extracellular space secondary to increased capillary permeability
Ga-67 is preferentially bound to nonviable PMNs and macrophages
leukocyte incorporation (rich in lactoferrin)
bacterial uptake (siderophores)
inflammtory tissue stimulates lactoferrin production

for chronic abdominal inflammation:

67% sensitivity; 64% specificity; 13% false negatives; 5% false positive
dose: 5 mCi; imaging: 24, 48, 72 hours
diffuse uptake in peritonitis
localized uptake in acute pyogenic abscess, phlegmon, acute cholecystitis, acute pancreatitis, acute gastritis, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease, surgical wound, pyelonephritis, perinephric abscess

Yong H. Hahn, MD - 7 July 1995
Last updated: 1 October 2013