Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome: hybrid spect-CT with 99mtc-labelled rbc and its added value over planar scintigraphy

Abstract

Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome (BRBNS) is a rare clinical entity characterized by multiple venous malformations (hemangiomas) of the skin and gastrointestinal tract. These hemangiomas usually cause episodes of occult gastrointestinal bleeding leading to iron deficiency anemia, and also carry a significant potential for serious hemorrhage. The 99mechnetium (99mTc)-labeled red blood cell scintigraphy has traditionally been utilized in the localization of occult bleeding sites in patients with suspected vascular malformations, angiodysplasia, and Meckel’s diverticulum. We report the incremental value of 99mTc-labeled red blood cell hybrid single-photon emission computed tomography-computed tomography (SPECT-CT) over planar scintigraphy alone in a 12-year-old female patient with BRBNS.