A method of quantitative 67Ga scintigraphy in the evaluation of pulmonary sarcoidosis

Abstract

⁶⁷Ga scintigraphy was performed in 42 patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis and in 30 control subjects. Accumulation of the radionuclide in hili and lungs was quantified by a computer method. The values in control subjects were found to be within a relatively narrow range. The pattern of ⁶⁷Ga accumulation clearly differed in patients who were radiographically defined as having only lymphadenopathy and in patients also having parenchymal involvement. Corticosteroid therapy resulted in a sharp decline of values of isotope uptake, although hilar activity remained slightly elevated. The quantitative uptake measurement proved to be superior to a subjective scoring method.