Blind loop syndrome. Diagnosis by In-111-labeled leukocyte scintigraphy.

Abstract

A 50-year-old man had vitamin B12 deficiency. Gastrointestinal radiographs showed a fistula between the small bowel and the transverse colon and a normal terminal ileum. An In-111-labeled leukocyte scan was performed. Further questioning of the patient revealed that a childhood appendectomy had been performed in difficult circumstances and necessitated the formation of an enterocolic fistula. Increased uptake in a blind loop has not been described before and may contribute to increased uptake in some patients with complicated Crohn's disease (i.e., those with fistulae or multiple resections) in whom it could be misinterpreted as active inflammation.