Initial use of Tc-99m HMPAO in cerebral trauma

Ten patients with cerebral trauma and neurologic symptoms have been scanned during our initial clinical use of HMPAO (Ceretec). The patients had gunshot wounds, blunt trauma to the skull with and without fractures, and subdural hematoma. The patients were scanned at varying intervals after trauma. Follow-up scans were made to assess resolution of the initial abnormalities. The HMPAO scan showed abnormalities more evident than suggested by CT. In situations when SPECT could not be done, planar HMPAO imaging can be done to assess cerebral perfusion. Tc-99m HMPAO appears promising to assess trauma patients in whom there are neurologic symptoms without CT abnormality