Technetium-99m-red blood cell scintigraphy in the localization of nonenteric hemorrhage

Abstract

Rapid detection and localization of the bleeding site(s) are important factors in successful management of actively bleeding patients. Technetium-99m-red blood cell imaging is a sensitive, noninvasive modality commonly used for localization of gastrointestinal bleeding. Outside the gastrointestinal tract, experience with this technique has been limited. In this report, we present three cases of nonenteric bleeding successfully located using 99mTc red blood cells. The current literature regarding the scintigraphic localization of nonenteric bleeding is reviewed and discussed.