Detection of MediastinitisAfter Heart Transplantationby Gaffium-67 Scintigraphy

We reportthefindingsofa patientwithpost-cardiactransplant mediastinitis detected by 67Ga-citrate imaging. Fever and leukocytosis were the first clinical signs suggesting infection. The usualdiagnosticmodalities,includingCT andultrasound, failed to identify the site of infection. A 67Ga scan showed intense abnormal uptake behind the sternum. The site of uptakewas shownbynecropsyto be necrotictissueinvolving cardiacsutures,pulmonaryarteries,andthe aortadueto infection with Haemophllus aphrophllus.

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