Early detection of post-transplant pancreatic graft dysfunction with technetium-99m-HMPAO scintigraphy.

Abstract

We present two cases of compromised pancreatic graft perfusion on a routine 99mTc-HMPAO-scan. The radiopharmaceutical, hexamethylpropyleneamine oxime (HMPAO), labeled with 99mTc-provided high-quality scintigraphic images of transplanted pancreatic grafts. Findings were compared with subsequently performed x-ray digital subtraction angiographs. Pathological examination of both resected grafts revealed venous thrombosis in one case and graft pancreatitis in the other case of disturbed graft perfusion on a 99mTc-HMPAO-scan. While 99mTc-HMPAO scans of pancreatic grafts are not specific for early thrombosis, they seem to be a helpful tool in diagnosing pancreatic dysfunction in general, necessitating further diagnostic steps to elucidate the specific cause.