Inhalation scintigraphy of lungs using diffusible microaerosol

A newly designed inhalation scintigraphy is described using diffusible aerosol and a new design of radioaerosol applicator is described. The radiopharmaceutical used is the aque0us solution of sup(99m)Tc-Sn-DTPA which is rapidly removed from the lungs (clearance half-time 49.5 mins), which makes it possible to carry out perfusion scintigraphy using the same radionuclide sup(99m)Tc within a short time interval after inhalation scintigraphy. The first experiences are discussed gained with 298 examinations of 273 patients. The types of scintigraphic findings are described and the evaluation method is standardized. The benefits and constraints of the method are given as compared with inhalation scintigraphy using radioactive gases (133Xe). The significance of the method is outlined, namely in combination with the perfusion lung scintigraphy in topic differentiation of focal disorders of ventilation and perfusion, mainly in the diagnosis of lung embolism. (author)