Technetium and blood extravasation before gammagraphy: a case report

Cases J. 2009 Feb 22;2(1):141. doi: 10.1186/1757-1626-2-141.

Abstract

Background: An 80-year-old woman presented with an abrupt onset of asymptomatic black-to-purple discoloration of her right limb that appeared just before a thyroid gammagraphy. No antecedent of trauma was found.

Case presentation: On questioning, patient admitted she did not cooperate during intravenous administration of Tc-99m-pertechnetate. Based on the abrupt onset of lesions and the absence of cooperation during intravenous administration of radiotracer, a suspect diagnosis of technetium and blood extravasation was made. This entity was confirmed in basis of evolution, with a spontaneous resolution of lesions within the next 15 days with no complications.

Conclusion: Patient and physicians must be reassured because of the non-vesicant property of technetium. Recovery of this entity is spontaneous, and no treatment is needed.