Gastrointestinal radionuclide imaging in pediatric age group.

Abstract

Pediatric gastrointestinal imaging plays a crucial role in evaluating and managing digestive system disorders in children. This comprehensive review dives into the nuances of pediatric gastrointestinal imaging techniques, focusing on three specific modalities: gastric emptying scintigraphy (GES), intestinal transit scintigraphy (ITS), and gastrointestinal bleeding scintigraphy. GES involves real-time monitoring of stomach emptying using radiotracers and gamma camera technology. While challenges exist in standardizing protocols due to age-specific meal compositions, GES remains pivotal in diagnosing motility disorders, gastroesophageal reflux, and abdominal pain in children. ITS, utilizing [⁶⁷Ga], provides insights into gastrointestinal motility disorders such as Hirschsprung disease. It aids in whole-gut transit evaluation, guiding surgical interventions and improving long-term clinical outcomes. Gastrointestinal bleeding scintigraphy, employing [⁹⁹mTc], assists in diagnosing conditions like Meckel's diverticulum and occult bleeding, offering continuous monitoring to pinpoint the bleeding site along the entire gastrointestinal tract. SPECT-CT improves the accuracy and the standards of care. Each technique's protocol details, clinical indications, and diagnostic capabilities are thoroughly discussed, highlighting the importance of these non-invasive, functional imaging modalities in pediatric gastroenterology.