TC-99-HMPAO SCAN IMAGING IN CROHNS-DISEAS E

Tc-99m-HMPAO leukocyte scintigraphy was prospectively studied in 20 pa tients with Crohn's Disease and was compared with radio-endoscopy and with disease activity index (Crohn's Disease Activity Index, ESR, C-re active protein). Disease localization as defined by the scan was well correlated with those visualized at endoscopy or radiography (r(s) = 0 ,90 p = 0,0001). A scan score was calculated by evaluating uptake of t he tracer in 6 bowel segments with lumbar bone marrow activity, correl ation with endoscopic score was strong (r(s) = 0,96 - p < 0,0001). Sca n score was well correlated with the Crohn's Disease Activity Index (r (s) = 0,63 - p = 0,0026), but no correlation was found between ESR, C- reactive protein and scan score. In four patients with ileal localizat ion, scintigraphy was helpful to separate inflammatory from scared ste nosis. Scintigraphy with (TC)-T-99m-HMPAO appeared to be useful in eva luation of Crohn's Disease activity, and for the diagnosis of complica tions as stenosis.