Gallium-67 scanning for detection of alveolitis in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and sarcoidosis

Objective, To investigate (67)Gallium scanning for the detection of alveolitis in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and sarcoidosis. Patients and Methods. Ga-67 scintigraphy was performed in 14 patients with IPF (age: (x) over bar+/-s=58.3+/-10.3 years), 13 patients with sarcoidosis (age: (x) over bar+/-s=46.9+/-9.0 years) and 11 controls (age: (x) over bar+/-s=44.0+/-10.5 years). Results. Lung / thigh ratio was respectively 3.18+/-0.07 in IPF, 3.12+/-0.94 in sarcoidosis and 2.11+/-0.26 in controls. IPF and sarcoidosis groups had a significantly higher lung/thigh ratio comparing with the control group (P<0.05). Three patients received Ga-67 scanning examination after corticosteroid therapy and the Ga-67 uptake decreased. Conclusions. The Ga-67 scintigraphy is useful in monitoring the activity and extent of alveolitis.