Diagnosis and localization of bronchopulmonary air leaks using ventilation scintigraphy.

Abstract

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To determine the usefulness of radioaerosol ventilation scans for the detection and localization of air leaks from the lungs or bronchial tree. DESIGN: Selected patients with suspected air leaks underwent ventilation scans. Retrospective analysis of data was carried out. SETTING AND PATIENTS: Twenty-eight hospitalized patients were included in the study. INTERVENTIONS: Ventilation scintigraphy using 99mTc-DTPA (technetium aerosol) was carried out in patients with air leaks. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Of the total group, there were 50% true-positive scans, 36% true-negative scans, and 14% false-negative scans giving a sensitivity of 78%, specificity of 100%, and accuracy of 86%. CONCLUSIONS: 99mTc-DTPA ventilation scintigraphy is useful in some patients with air leaks from the lung or tracheobronchial tree and may help to guide surgical intervention should this become necessary.