False-positive V/Q scan mimicking massive pulmonary embolism

Clin Nucl Med. 1992 Jan;17(1):34-5. doi: 10.1097/00003072-199201000-00010.

Abstract

Technical error is not usually considered among the many possible causes of false-positive lung scans. A case is presented where the inadvertent injection of Tc-99m MAA through a Swan-Ganz catheter resulted in radionuclide imaging mimicking massive pulmonary embolism. After reinjection in a peripheral vein, a repeat perfusion scan showed unremarkable findings. Lack of the appropriate clinical presentation and the rarity of massive perfusion defects are important clues to recognizing this unusual but misleading situation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Catheterization, Swan-Ganz
  • False Positive Reactions
  • Humans
  • Lung / diagnostic imaging*
  • Male
  • Pulmonary Embolism / diagnostic imaging*
  • Pulmonary Embolism / epidemiology
  • Radionuclide Imaging
  • Technetium Tc 99m Aggregated Albumin* / administration & dosage
  • Ventilation-Perfusion Ratio

Substances

  • Technetium Tc 99m Aggregated Albumin