Technetium 99m Sulfur Colloid Scintigraphy to Evaluate Reticuloendothelial System Function in Dogs With Portasystemic Shunts

Abstract

In a retrospective study, technetium 99m sulfur colloid scintigraphy was used to evaluate reticuloendothelial system function in 61 dogs with single congenital and 40 dogs with multiple acquired portasystemic shunts. Whole body reticuloendothelial function was measured by calculating the plasma clearance rate constant from a dynamic study of liver uptake of 99mTc sulfur colloid. Relative liver, spleen, and lung uptake, and a ratio of hepatic:extrahepatic uptake were measured on static equilibrium images. Results were compared with those of a group of 26 normal dogs. Compared with values for the group of normal dogs, the plasma clearance rate constant, relative liver uptake, and hepaticiextrahepatic uptake ratio were significantly decreased, and relative spleen and lung uptake were significantly increased in dogs with portasystemic shunts (P