Technetium-99m-Labelled Macroaggregated Albumin in Demonstration of Trans-Diaphragmatic Leakage of Dialysate in Peritoneal Dialysis

Abstract

A patient developed a right pleural effusion soon after starting a program of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. The etiology of the effusion was unclear. ^99mTc-labelled macroaggregated albumin was administered intrapentoneally, followed by 2 liters of dialysate. Trans-diaphragmatic leakage was clearly demonstrated, and confirmed by high count rates of pleural fluid with negligible blood count. This method can safely be used to demonstrate trans-diaphragmatic fluid leakage in peritoneal dialysis patients.