La Radiologia medica
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La Radiologia medica · Jul 1993
Comparative Study[The diagnosis of lung inflammation in AIDS patients. The use of 99mTc-labelled human polyclonal immunoglobulins and a comparison with 67Ga citrate and high-resolution computed tomography].
Technetium-99m (99mTc) labelled polyclonal human immunoglobulin (HIG) is a new agent for the localization of active inflammatory diseases. The results obtained with HIG in 29 AIDS patients referred for suspected lung infections are reported (Table I). The patients also underwent Gallium-67 citrate scanning (GS), chest radiography (Rx), high-resolution thin-layer computed tomography (HRCT) and broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL). ⋯ In conclusion, as for PCP and abscesses, the results obtained with 99mTc-HIG are usually in agreement with GS findings, while HIG scans seem to be negative in mycobacterial infections. Moreover, HIG scintigraphy seems to be suitable for the evaluation of treatment results in PCP (this subject deserves further research). To assess respiratory impairment a semiquantitative index (ISQ) of 99mTc-HIG lung uptake is suggested, which showed a significant linear correlation with arterial pO2.