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Turkiye Klinikleri Journal of Medical Sciences, vol.29, no.2, pp.375-380, 2009 (SCI-Expanded)
Objective: To evaluate the sites of extrapulmonary Ga-67 uptake. Material and Methods: A total of 113 patients (49 male, 64 female; mean age 38±7 years) with clinically and radiologically diagnosed sarcoidosis were retrospectively analyzed. Whole body planar images were obtained 48-72 hours after the intravenous administration of a mean dose of 185 MBq Ga-67. Scintigrams were evaluated visually by three blind experienced nuclear medicine specialists reaching a final consensus. Results: Eighty-two oft of 113 patients (73%) showed abnormal findings as a sign of intrathoracic involvement. Thirty-six patients had hilar and mediastinal uptake (lambda sign) (44%), 20 had only hilar uptake (24%), 6 had only mediastinal uptake (8%) and 20 had diffuse parenchymal uptake (24%). In 113 patients, 168 sites of extrapulmonary involvement were observed. Fifty-nine patients had panda sign (52%), 45 had salivary or lacrimal gland uptake (40%), 37 had lymph node uptake (33%)-11 inguinal, 11 supraclavicular, 7 axillary, 4 epitrochlear, 3 paraaortic and 1 cervical region-7 patients had articulary uptake (6%), 16 patients had breast uptake (14%), 2 patients had focal liver uptake (2%) and 2 had cutaneous uptake (2%). Four patients had normal Ga-67 scintigraphy (4%). Conclusion: Ga-67 scintigraphy has been used to evaluate the extent of sarcoidosis. It demonsrates not only intrathoracic but also extrathoracic involvement. Copyright © 2009 by Türkiye Klinikleri.