Detection of Intestinal Duplication on Tc-99m Pertechnetate Imaging

Dumbbell-Shaped Activity on Meckel's Scintigraphy Caused by Hiatal Hernia

A 13-month-old underwent Meckel's scintigraphy to evaluate a cause of melena. The images revealed a dumbbell-shaped activity. One side of dumbbell was located in the midline lower chest, whereas another side with similar intensity was in the normal location of the stomach. A subsequent contrast CT demonstrated a large hiatal hernia.

99mTc-pertechnetate SPECT/CT for detecting recurrent foregut duplication cyst in a case with negative planar scintigraphy

Recurrence can occur after incomplete surgical excision of foregut duplication cysts. We here present (99m)Tc-pertechnetate SPECT/CT images of a 3-year-old girl with recurrence of foregut duplication cyst. (99m)Planar Tc-pertechnetate scintigraphy was negative in this case.

Gastrointestinal duplications: Experience in seven children and a review of the literature

BACKGROUND/AIM

Enteric duplication (ED) is a rare congenital anomaly that can occur anywhere along the alimentary tract from the mouth , down to the anus and the nearby organs. This uncommon anomaly may be asymptomatic or presents with vague symptoms mimicking other common pathologies. We aim to present our experience, management challenges and patterns of ED with a review of the literature.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN

The study was carried out at a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital (2005-2008 inclusive).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed seven patients with ED managed in our hospital for sex, age, clinical presentations, duplication size and site, presence of ectopic tissue, complications, associated anomalies, radiological workups, and prognosis. Data was analyzed using SPSS 11.0 for window.

RESULTS

Seven children between the age range of 44 hours-10 years had ED, one sublingual and six intraabdominal duplications. Midgut volvulus with long segment bowel gangrene complicated two cases. The diagnosis was incidental in all. Three cases were diagnosed following conventional radiological contrast examination and the rest at surgery. Ultrasound was not helpful in making diagnosis in all the six intraabdominal duplications. Though surgery was recommended for all, one of the patients declined. Only one patient had unsuccessful surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

ED requires high index of clinical suspicion and careful management. Many cases of nonspecific abdominal pains should be properly evaluated before patients suffer avoidable complications.