Potential pitfalls in nuclear medicine: a paediatric teaching case

An infant with complex cardiac defects and isomerism had a persistent pyrexia of undetermined aetiology following cardiac surgery. Radionuclide leucocyte scan showed a focus of increased uptake in the right upper quadrant (RUQ) felt to be compatible with an abscess. However, correlation with clinical data and multimodality imaging allowed the correct diagnosis of ectopic splenic tissue in the RUQ to be made. This report emphasises the need for an integrated approach to imaging. Patients with abnormalities of viscero-atrial situs require careful assessment of their splenic status. Visceral heterotaxy may result in confusing imaging appearances unless the anatomy has been accurately documented. Received: 9 September 1999/Accepted: 24 September 1999