Pulmonary Air Leak SPECT/CT in a Mechanically Ventilated Intensive Care Patient

Technetium-99m Technegas SPECT/CT is a promising tool for the localization of postoperative air leaks in thoracic surgery patients. We report a case of successful leak detection in a mechanically ventilated patient following thoracoscopic surgery and revision. Radioventilation was performed by connecting the TechnegasPlus (Cyclomedica Pty Ltd.) generator's administration set to the patient's endotracheal tube and gently inflating the lungs with a disposable respirator through the generator's assist valve. Intense pleural Technegas accumulation was observed as a correlate of the air leak. Characteristic changes of ventilation distribution secondary to mechanical ventilation are discussed.