Intense muscle uptake of gallium-67 in a patient with sarcoidosis

J Nucl Med. 1998 Sep;39(9):1605-7.

Abstract

Sarcoidosis has been associated with muscle involvement. In general, this involvement remains asymptomatic. The following case report demonstrates a patient with a 4-mo history of sarcoidosis who reported severe fatigue and slight muscular complaints at a regular checkup. Gallium scintigraphy indicated unexpected and unusually extensive muscular localizations of the disease. The latter findings were confirmed by examination of biopsy specimens. The importance of gallium scintigraphy lies in the possibility of wholebody screening for inflammation localizations, particularly when physical, laboratory, lung function and radiographic examinations fail to provide convincing evidence of active sarcoidosis. Furthermore, it can be helpful in the follow-up of the effect of supportive treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Citrates
  • Gallium
  • Gallium Radioisotopes*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Muscle, Skeletal / diagnostic imaging
  • Muscular Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Radionuclide Imaging
  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Sarcoidosis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Sarcoidosis, Pulmonary / diagnostic imaging

Substances

  • Citrates
  • Gallium Radioisotopes
  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Gallium
  • gallium citrate