Gallbladder Visualization on Tc-99m-labeled Red Cell Scintigraphy: A Rare Finding with an Emphasis on Role of Single-photon Emission Computed Tomography/Computed Tomography

Abstract

Tc-99m labeled red blood cell (RBC) scintigraphy is one of the most sensitive tests to diagnose occult gastrointestinal (GI) bleed. Visualization of gallbladder is a rare finding in this study. Most of the previously reported cases with similar false-positive finding were associated chronic renal failure, anemia, and received multiple blood transfusions. Thus, while interpreting GI bleed scan, a thorough clinical history is of utmost importance to avoid any false-positive findings. Here, we report a case of gallbladder visualization in ^99mTc-RBC scintigraphy confirmed by single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography in a patient with chronic renal failure and anemia with failed renal transplant within 3 months.

Keywords: Chronic renal failure; Tc-99m red blood cell scintigraphy; gallbladder; gastrointestinal bleeding scintigraphy; single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography.

Figure 1

Static images at 2 h (a) and 24 h (b) revealed an abnormal focal tracer uptake in the right hypochondrium (blue arrow)

Figure 2

SPECT/CT images of the abdomen (coronal images [a: CT, b: SPECT, c: SPECT/CT fusion] and transaxial [d: CT, e: SPECT, f: SPECT/CT fusion]), acquired at 2 h to locate the site of tracer concentration (red arrow), revealed the tracer uptake at the gall bladder. SPECT/CT: Single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography