Radiotherapy and technetium-99m-labeled red blood cell scintigraphy for hemoptysis from chronic MRSA infection.

Abstract

AIM:

To discuss the application of external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and technetium-99m-labeled red blood cell scintigraphy (LRBCS) in life-threatening hemoptysis from a non-malignant condition.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This case report presents a patient with persistent hemoptysis secondary to chronic Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection in whom conventional management failed to localize the site of pulmonary bleeding or to provide effective therapy.

RESULTS:

EBRT was successfully given for life-threatening hemoptysis with improvement in quality of life for nearly 1 year. LRBCS was used to localize the source of further bleeding and facilitate targeted therapy.

CONCLUSION:

EBRT can be an effective and well-tolerated modality in treating life-threatening hemoptysis refractory to conventional methods. LRBCS is a non-invasive diagnostic tool that can be used to detect the source of pulmonary bleeding.

• Authors: Carminia Lapuz, Sandeep K Gupta, Elizabeth A Bennett, Colin I Tang
• Journal: Reports of practical oncology and radiotherapy : journal of Greatpoland Cancer Center in Poznan and Polish Society of Radiation Oncology (Rep Pract Oncol Radiother) Vol. 18 Issue 5 Pg. 316-8 ( 2013) ISSN: 1507-1367 [Print] Poland
• PMID: 24416570 (Publication Type: Journal Article)