Use of technetium-tagged white blood cells in patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis: is differential diagnosis possible?

Abstract

These data show that WBC-Tc99m scanning can be useful in distinguishing discontinuous from continuous colitis.

In vivo imaging of mucosal CD4+ T cells using single photon emission computed tomography in a murine model of colitis

“…Past experiments have indicated that SPECT-CT imaging may be a useful modality in a DSS model of colitis. In these studies, however, radiolabeled neutrophils or WBCs were administered, precluding the ability to localize and enumerate a specific subpopulation of cells (i.e., CD4 + T cells) (Weldon et al, 1996;Charron et al, 1998;Biancone et al, 2005).…”

Leukocyte scintigraphy compared to intraoperative small bowel enteroscopy and laparotomy findings in Crohnʼs disease

“…6 Furthermore, small bowel and colon are assessed on the same occasion and screening could accurately distinguish between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. 7,8 The technique has the potential for verifying the presence of abscesses and, possibly, of fistulas. 9,10 The use of leukocyte scintigraphy in guiding therapy has not yet been established.…”

Positron Emission Tomography in the Investigation of Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease

“…Charron et al,30,31 when reviewing patients studied with technetium‐tagged white cell scans, found this study had some use in distinguishing between Crohn's colitis and UC. Discontinuity of inflammation was evident on scanning but not immediately delineated on endoscopy and biopsy.…”