Clinical History

The patient is a 61-year-old male with CLL and ITP. The study is being done in order to evaluate for suspected GI bleeding.

Technique

On 2/3/97, the patient's red blood cells were labeled with 31.7 millicuries of Tc 99m Pertechnetate. Dynamic images were obtained for 90 minutes at 5 minute intervals.

Findings

There is normal activity in the aorta and iliac vessels. There is also normal activity identified in the liver. There is no definite activity identified in the region of the spleen. The images demonstrate a focal region of active bleeding definitely identified between 10 and 15 minutes from the start of the exam. The area of active bleeding appears to be just superior to the aortic bifurcation. Throughout the course of the exam, bleeding is detected extending into what appears to be the small bowel in the left lower quadrant.

Impressions

POSITIVE GI BLEEDING DETECTION STUDY IDENTIFYING ACTIVE GI BLEEDING BEGINNING IN A REGION JUST SUPERIOR TO THE AORTIC BIFURCATION.

Comments

Click here to view the dynamic of the GI Bleed Scan. This is a quicktime movie file.

Click here to view the GI Bleed Scan (same patient) for 2/27/97.