Synonyms Ectopic Gastric Mucosa Scan; Meckel's Scan; Meckel's Scintigraphy

Procedure Commonly Includes The patient receives an intravenous injection of technetium-99m (^99mTc) pertechnetate which is quickly secreted by gastric mucosa cells including sites of ectopic tissue, the Meckel's diverticulum. Sequential images of the abdomen are then acquired. The abnormality usually visualizes early, but delayed images are sometimes necessary.

Indications The procedure is useful in detecting the presence and location of a Meckel's diverticulum, a collection of functioning ectopic gastric mucosa usually located in the ileum and in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen. The abnormality usually occurs in young children and 50% of cases that bleed symptomatically will present before the age of 2 years.

Patient Preparation Patient should have all RIA blood work performed, or at least drawn, prior to injection of any radioactive material. Patient must be fasting at least 4 hours before scan.

Special Instructions Requisition must state the current patient diagnosis in order to select the most appropriate radiopharmaceutical and/or imaging technique. DURATION OF PROCEDURE: 30 minutes to 1 hour although additional delayed images may be required. RADIOPHARMACEUTICAL:^99mTc pertechnetate

Causes for Rejection Residual barium in GI tract from recent x-rays, other recent Nuclear Medicine procedure may interfere. If uncertain, call the Nuclear Medicine Department.

Turnaround Time A written report will be sent to the patient's chart and/or to the referring physician.

Normal Findings Lack of any focal secreted activity in the abdomen. Patients are often placed in a left lateral decubitus position to slow transit of normal secreted activity from the stomach into the small bowel.

Limitations A Meckel's diverticulum without functioning gastric mucosa will not visualize. However, those lacking mucosa are also unlikely to bleed. Some false-positives may result from nondiverticular bleeding, intussusception, duplication cysts, or inflammatory bowel disease.

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