Left Ventricular Assist Device-Associated Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Recognition of an Iatrogenic Etiology on 99mTc-Tagged Red Blood Cell Scintigraphy

J Nucl Med Technol. 2019 Jun;47(2):169-170. doi: 10.2967/jnmt.118.220061. Epub 2019 Jan 29.

Abstract

99mTc-tagged red blood cell scintigraphy is the imaging modality of choice in the diagnosis of active gastrointestinal bleeding. Continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices are the state-of-the-art treatment for advanced heart failure, with gastrointestinal bleeding as the most common complication. Recognition of the distinctive imaging feature of continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices on scintigraphic images can aid diagnosis of gastrointestinal bleeding.

Keywords: 99mTc red blood cell scintigraphy; gastrointestinal bleeding; left ventricular assist device.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Erythrocytes / metabolism*
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / blood
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / diagnostic imaging*
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / etiology*
  • Heart-Assist Devices / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Iatrogenic Disease
  • Male
  • Radionuclide Imaging
  • Technetium / metabolism*

Substances

  • Technetium