Localization of therapeutic gelatin emboli using radiolabeling - clinical application -

Scintigraphic localization of therapeutic gelatin emboli were evaluated during and after transcatheter arterial embolization(TAE) in nine patients. Focal uptakes in the spleen suggesting adverse embolism were noted in three of 7 patients with hepatic neoplasms. Two of which were confirmed by CT. Scintiscan of the patient with dural arteriobeneous malformation obtained during TAE demonstrated adverse pulmonary embolism, which dictated change in procedure. Scintiscan during TAE showed no adverse deposition of the injected emboli in the patients with hemangioma of the back, who was safety treated by TAE. Scintigraphic study during or after TAE using radiolabeled gelatin particle with 99mTc seemed to be a useful modality for early detection of adverse embolism and for prevention of serious complications.