Leveen shunt visualization without function using technetium-99m macroaggregated albumin

Abstract

Nonfunction of a Leveen shunt was diagnosed in a 53-year-old cirrhotic woman by lack of lung visualization following intraperitoneal administration of Tc-99m MAA, despite imaging of the shunt tubing itself. Surgery confirmed the malfunction and follow-up study after surgical correction showed normal function. Using intraperitoneal injection, an end-organ must be seen to confirm shunt function. The method of Rosenthall et al may provide a more rapid diagnosis of nonfunction without the necessity of end-organ imaging.