Diagnosis of an enteric duplication with pertechnetate Tc99(m) scanning

A case of enteric duplication is reported in which preoperative pertechnetate ⁹⁹Tc(m) scanning demonstrated localized uptake in the region of the anatomic abnormality. This test is recommended for use in the evaluation of lower gastrointestinal bleeding in infants and children. Since ⁹⁹Tc(m) is metabolized much like the chloride ion, it is actively concentrated and secreted in gastric mucosa, presumably by parietal cells. In those patients having ectopic gastric tissue within a Meckel's diverticulum, abdominal scanning may demonstrate localized uptake of the radionuclide over the anatomic anomaly. Increased local uptake of ⁹⁹Tc(m) has also been described in other conditions characterized by the presence of ectopic gastric muscoa.