GASTROINTESTINAL-BLEEDING AND CINE-SCINTIGRAPHY

Two recent advances have significantly improved the ability of labeled red cell imaging to localize and to detect sites of active gastrointe stinal bleeding, The first is the use of continuous dynamic imaging. T he second is the commercial availability of an in vitro red cell label ing method that significantly improves image quality. The computer equ ipment required for dynamic imaging is available in most nuclear medic ine laboratories. Because cinematic display of the dynamic images incr eases the accuracy and ease of interpretation it should be considered the method of choice for performing gastrointestinal bleeding studies. High-risk patients can be identified if very active bleeding is noted early. However, a study with negative results, after monitoring the p atient over 1 to 2 hours, suggests that conservative medical managemen t may be adequate. Therefore, with proper use scintigraphy can provide both diagnostic and prognostic information to aid in the management o f patients with gastrointestinal bleeding. (C) 1996 by W.B. Saunders C ompany